SYSTEMATIC APPROACH TO ACLS

Question 1

BLS Assessment

Answer 1

Verify scene safety

Check Responsiveness: tap patient and shout “are you okay.”

Shout for Help

Activate the emergency response system and obtain an AED

Check for carotid pulse and breathing simultaneously

No normal breathing with pulse -> 1 breath every 6 seconds

No breathing, no pulse -> Start CPR

Defibrillation; If there is no pulse, check for a shockable rhythm with the AED or defibrillator as soon as it arrives. Follow the instructions provided by the AED or begin ACLS Protocol.

Question 2

AIRWAY ASSESSMENT

Answer 2

Look:
Talking = Good.
Edema, blood, vomit, facial burns.
foreign body
Collapsed palate, prolapsed tongue = BAD

Listen:
Noisy = obstructed
Inspiratory stridor

Feel: breath from nose or mouth

Question 3

BREATHING ASSESSMENT

Answer 3

Look:
work of breathing, respiratory rate, depth of breathing
Chest or abdomen rise and fall

Listen: breathing sounds (auscultation)

Check: Pulse Oximetry

Question 4

CIRCULATION ASSESSMENT

Answer 4

Look:
mental status, skin colour

Listen:
heart rate, cardiac rhythm

Feel:
Pulses

Check: Blood Pressure, Monitor, IV access, ECG, indentify and monitor arrythmias, give fluids if needed.

Question 5

DISABILITY ASSESSMENT

Answer 5

• PERRLA
• AVPU:

(A) Alert = 15 GCS
(V) Voice = 12 GCS
(P) Painful = 8 GCS
(U) Unresponsive = 3 GCS

Question 6

MOVIE

Answer 6

Monitor

Oxygen

Vitals

IV Access

ECG

Question 7

EXPOSURE / EXAMINE / ENVIRONMENT

Answer 7

Completely Undress the Patient

Examine for major associated injuries

Maintain a warm environment

Question 8

SECONDARY ASSESSMENT

Answer 8

SAMPLE:
• Signs and Symptoms
• Allergies
• Medications
• PMHx
• Last Meal
• Events Leading Up to the Event

Question 9

Most important signs in primary survey

Answer 9

A - stridor
B - RR 30, 02 sats 90% on Fi02 30%
C - mottled appearance
D - check glucose
E - Exposure, take down dressings