Those looking for an Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification are typically healthcare providers who interact with patients using procedures that are more invasive than CPR, and therefore need a certification that extends beyond the standard BLS (basic life support) certification required of most medical professionals. (Please note, however, that an existing BLS card is required for registration in the ACLS course.)

 

If an ACLS certification applies to you, know that medical professionals in the Orlando, Florida area can rely on Rescu-Ed CPR for their ACLS needs, whether it be achieving an ACLS certification, ACLS renewal, or replacing an existing but missing ACLS card.

 

The ACLS Course

 

The Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) course is designed for healthcare providers who either direct or participate in the resuscitation of a patient, whether in or out of hospital. These members of the healthcare community include physicians, nurses, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, respiratory therapists, and other professionals who may respond to a cardiovascular emergency.

 

Through the ACLS course, providers will enhance their skills in the treatment of the adult victim of a cardiac arrest or other cardiopulmonary emergencies. ACLS emphasizes the importance of basic life support CPR to patient survival; the integration of effective basic life support with advanced cardiovascular life support interventions; and the importance of effective team interaction and communication during resuscitation.

 

ACLS classes are based on simulated clinical scenarios that encourage active, hands-on participation through learning stations where students will practice essential skills individually, as part of a team, and as team leader. Realistic simulations reinforce the following key concepts:

 

• Proficiency in basic life support care• Recognizing and initiating early management of peri-arrest conditions

• Managing cardiac arrest

• Identifying and treating ischemic chest pain and acute coronary syndromes

• Recognizing other life-threatening clinical situations (such as stroke) and providing initial care

• ACLS algorithms

• Effective resuscitation team dynamics

 

ACLS Renewal

 

The ACLS certification period lasts for two years, so the ACLS exam must be retaken every other year if breaks in certification coverage are to be avoided. Although the initial certification class costs $165 and lasts 16 hours, the renewal course costs just $120 and lasts only half as long.

 

ACLS Replacement Cards

 

If your ACLS certification card is stolen, lost, or missing, it can be replaced as long as it hasn’t expired. Please note, however, that replacements can only be issued by the training center that issued your original course completion card.