Version control: This document is current with respect to 2016 American Heart Association® Guidelines for CPR and ECC. Updated 2020 guidelines have been published by AHA, by enrolling in our courses you will receive the current learning materials (2016 guidelines) now and also AUTOMATICALLY have free access to the 2021 guidelines when available. Please note that our company typically implements new training guidelines up to a year before AHA releases their updates.
One of the crucial components of effective ACLS training is a familiarity with the major algorithms for different patient and/or provider scenarios. As a free resource for our visitors, this page contains links to sample algorithms for the main AHA Advanced Cardiac Life Support cases. See our website terms. Compatible part number: 90-1013, 90-1010.
Cardiac Arrest Algorithm
This case presents the recommended assessment, intervention, and management options for a patient in respiratory
arrest. The patient is unresponsive and unconscious. Respirations are absent or inadequate to maintain effective
oxygenation and ventilation. The patient has a pulse. Even though the patient is in respiratory arrest and not
in cardiac arrest, the BLS Primary Survey and the ACLS Secondary Survey are used.
Acute Coronary Syndromes Algorithm
For this case, you use the Acute Coronary Syndromes Algorithm to guide the assessment and management of patients
with signs and symptoms of acute coronary syndromes. A key focus of the case is the identification and treatment
of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). You use a 12-lead ECG to evaluate the patient's rhythm.
You initiate treatment based on your assessment.
PEA/Asystole Algorithm
Your task for this case is to assess and manage a patient in cardiac arrest who has pulseless electrical
activity (PEA). Although the ECG shows organized cardiac electrical activity, the patient is unresponsive with
no palpable pulse. Because finding and identifying an underlying cause is critical to patient outcome, the team
searches for possible causes for PEA as they administer CPR. With asystole, you search with other members of the
emergency care team for a treatable cause while performing high quality CPR with minimal interruptions. IV/IO
placement is a priority over advanced airway management. The team discusses when to terminate resuscitation
efforts and focus on supporting the patient's family.
VF/Pulseless VT Algorithm
This case presents how to respond to someone who collapses outside of the hospital setting from either
ventricular fibrillation (VF) or ventricular tachycardia (VT). You are alone and must manage the patient by
yourself. You do not have the option of ACLS interventions, including advanced airway control and IV
medications. You have an automated external defibrillator (AED) with a pocket face mask. The second AED case
focuses on the assessment and management of a patient in a witnessed cardiac arrest caused by ventricular
fibrillation (VF) or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT). The patient did not respond to the first shock. A
manual defibrillator is used in this case, and you work with a care team.
Bradycardia Algorithm
This case outlines how to assess and manage a patient with symptomatic bradycardia. The patient has a pulse. One
of your tasks is to figure out if the patient's signs and symptoms are caused by the slow heart rate or have an
unrelated cause. Another task is to correctly diagnose the presence and type of atrioventricular (AV) block and
implement the correct management strategies for AV blocks. You also need to know the techniques and cautions for
using transcutaneous pacing.
Tachycardia Algorithms
This case presents the assessment and management of a stable patient with a pulse who has a heart rate greater
than 100 bpm. Your tasks are to classify the tachycardia as narrow or wide, regular or irregular, and to
implement the appropriate interventions from the ACLS Tachycardia Algorithm, including vagal maneuvers and
adenosine. Monitor the patient's rhythm and request a cardiac consultation if the patient's rhythm does not
convert. If the patient becomes unstable, follow the algorithm for unstable tachycardia. For unstable
tachycardia, you evaluate the patient for cardioversion and perform the procedure. Drugs are not used to manage
unstable tachycardia.
Suspected Stroke Algorithm
This case presents the identification (Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale)
and initial management of patients with acute ischemic stroke, a sudden change in neurological function brought
on by a change in blood flow to the brain. This case is in scope for ACLS providers and covers fundamental
out-of-hospital care, as well as basic aspects of initial in-hospital acute stroke care. This includes
out-of-hospital and in-hospital situations, and National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
time goals.
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New Now see our separate page for BLS Algorithms
Anesthesia ACLS Algorithms
These algorithms involve ACLS events in in-hospital settings for anesthetic and surgically related pathophysiology. Thank you to Vivek K. Moitra, MD, Andrea Gabrielli, MD, Gerald A. Maccioli, MD, and Michael F. O’Connor for providing this to us. Printed with permission.
Vivek K. Moitra, MD, Andrea Gabrielli, MD, Gerald A. Maccioli, MD, and Michael F. O’Connor, MD. Can J Anaesth. 2012 June; 59(6): 586-603.
Version control: This section for anesthesia algorithms was published in 2012. The latest guidelines have been released in the 2016 American Heart Association® Guidelines for CPR and ECC (see above). This information is provided below for historical reference and for your consideration. We will publish updated anesthesia algorithms here when and if they are published by the authors cited above. Also, please note that A. Gabrielli is also an author to updated 2015/2016 American Heart Association® Guidelines for CPR and ECC.
Left Ventricular Failure with Cardiogenic Shock Algorithm
Right Ventricular Failure with Cardiogenic Shock Algorithm
Intubation and Airway Management Algorithm
Tachycardia Algorithm
Comprehensive Algorithm
Drug summary
This reference document summarizes the drugs used for ACLS cases and their storage requirements. Last updated 2015-05-07
Online ACLS Recertification in 2–5 hours
New! We now sell laminated pocket sized algorithm cards.
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