You're in the middle of an emergency in a crowded Quiapo market when a man collapses. A bystander starts CPR, but what happens next? Philippine nurses need to know ACLS cold—because when seconds count, you can't afford to flip through textbooks. This pocket guide gives you the essential terms you'll shout across the resuscitation room in Makati Medical Center or use when documenting a code blue in Cebu Doctors' University Hospital. From the difference between defibrillation and cardioversion to the exact dose of epinephrine your patient needs, we've got you covered with Philippine-specific protocols and real-world scenarios you'll actually face.
Cardiac Rhythms
- Asystole (noun) /eɪˈsɪstəli/
- Complete absence of electrical activity in the heart, resulting in a flat line on the ECG monitor. Asystole represents the final cardiac rhythm before death and is a non-shockable rhythm in ACLS protocols.
Synonyms : Flatline, Cardiac standstill
Asystole has no electrical activity to shock—focus on high-quality CPR, epinephrine, and identifying reversible causes like hypoxia or hypovolemia.
The monitor at the ER in Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center showed a flat line—the doctor checked for a pulse, confirmed asystole, and immediately resumed CPR while preparing epinephrine.
- Pulseless Electrical Activity (PEA) (noun) /ˌpʌlsles ɪˌlɛkˈtrɪkəlækˈtɪvəti/
- Organized electrical activity on the ECG monitor without corresponding mechanical contraction of the heart, resulting in no palpable pulse. PEA is a non-shockable rhythm that requires identification and treatment of reversible causes.
Synonyms : Electromechanical dissociation
PEA is an 'electrical-mechanical dissociation'—the heart's wiring works but the pump fails. Treat the cause (H's and T's) while doing CPR.
The patient's ECG showed sinus rhythm at 80 bpm but no pulse—the nurse recognized PEA and started searching for causes like tension pneumothorax or hypokalemia while continuing compressions.
- Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia (pVT) (noun) /ˌpʌlsles venˈtrɪkjələr tækiˈkɑːrdiə/
- A rapid heart rhythm originating in the ventricles that results in no effective pulse or blood flow. It's a shockable rhythm in ACLS protocols and requires immediate defibrillation to restore normal rhythm.
Synonyms : Shockable rhythm
pVT looks like a regular, fast rhythm on the monitor but produces no pulse—treat it like ventricular fibrillation with immediate defibrillation.
The ECG monitor in the ICU at Asian Hospital showed a wide-complex tachycardia at 220 bpm with no pulse—the nurse recognized pVT and called for the defibrillator immediately.
- Ventricular Fibrillation (VF) (noun) /venˈtrɪkjələr ˌfaɪbrɪˈleɪʃən/
- Chaotic, irregular electrical activity in the ventricles causing the heart to quiver rather than pump blood effectively. VF is the most common initial rhythm in sudden cardiac arrest and is treatable with defibrillation.
Synonyms : VF, V-fib
VF is the 'quivering heart' rhythm—immediate defibrillation is the only effective treatment, and survival drops 7-10% per minute without it.
The security guard at SM City North EDSA used the AED on the collapsed shopper and the device announced 'Shock advised—ventricular fibrillation detected' before delivering the life-saving shock.
Cardiology
- Cardiac arrest (noun) /ˈkɑːrdiæk əˈrest/
- Sudden loss of heart function where the heart stops beating effectively, causing blood flow to cease and immediate unconsciousness. Without prompt intervention, it leads to death within minutes due to lack of oxygen to the brain.
Synonyms : Sudden cardiac death, Circulatory arrest
Cardiac arrest is different from a heart attack—arrest means the heart's electrical system failed, while a heart attack is a plumbing problem where blood flow is blocked.
The elderly man at the SM North EDSA food court suddenly gasped and collapsed—witnesses recognized cardiac arrest and started CPR while shouting for the nearest defibrillator.
- Defibrillation (noun) /diːˌfɪbrɪˈleɪʃən/
- Delivery of an electrical shock to the heart to terminate dangerous rapid heart rhythms (ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation) and restore normal sinus rhythm. It's the only effective treatment for shockable cardiac arrest rhythms.
Synonyms : Electric shock, Cardioversion (when synchronized)
Defibrillation must be delivered within 3-5 minutes of collapse for maximum survival—every minute of delay reduces survival by 7-10%.
The security guard at Ayala Center Cebu grabbed the AED from the wall, attached the pads to the collapsed mall worker's chest, and delivered a 200J shock that restored a normal rhythm before paramedics arrived.
Certifications
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification (noun) /ədˈvænst ˈkɑːrdiæk ˈlaɪf səˌpɔːrt ˌsɜːrtɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/
- Advanced credential awarded after completing an ACLS course that covers emergency cardiovascular care, including recognition and intervention of cardiac arrest, peri-arrest conditions, and acute coronary syndromes. Required for nurses working in critical care areas.
Synonyms : ACLS certification
ACLS certification is mandatory for nurses in ERs, ICUs, and CCUs across Philippine hospitals. The course costs about ₱8,000-₱12,000 and is valid for 2 years.
Nurse Jose completed his ACLS certification through the Philippine Red Cross in Manila for ₱9,500, making him eligible for the ICU position at The Medical City.
- Basic Life Support certification (noun) /ˈbeɪsɪk ˈlaɪf səˌpɔːrt ˌsɜːrtɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/
- Formal credential awarded after completing a BLS course that teaches CPR, AED use, and choking relief for adults, children, and infants. Required for healthcare providers and recommended for lay rescuers in the Philippines.
Synonyms : BLS certification
BLS certification is your entry ticket to healthcare—most Philippine hospitals won't hire you without it, and it's valid for 2 years before renewal.
Before starting her nursing internship at Philippine General Hospital, Maria completed her BLS certification through the Philippine Heart Association, ensuring she could respond to emergencies on the wards.
Critical Care
- Post-cardiac arrest care (noun) /poʊst ˈkɑːrdiæk əˈrest keər/
- Comprehensive treatment provided after ROSC to optimize survival and neurological recovery. Includes targeted temperature management, hemodynamic support, oxygenation/ventilation optimization, and identification/treatment of the arrest cause.
Synonyms : Post-arrest care
Post-arrest care is where you prevent the patient from arresting again—maintain temperature 32-36°C for 24 hours, keep SBP >90 mmHg, and monitor for seizures.
The ICU team at Philippine General Hospital placed the post-arrest patient on therapeutic hypothermia protocol, cooling to 34°C for 24 hours while monitoring for complications like arrhythmias.
- Reversible causes (H's and T's) (noun) /rɪˈvɜːrsəbəl kɔːzɪz (eɪtʃz ænd tiːz)/
- Potential underlying causes of cardiac arrest that are treatable and reversible if identified. The H's and T's serve as a memory aid for systematic assessment: Hypoxia, Hypovolemia, Hydrogen ion (acidosis), Hypo-/Hyperkalemia, Hypothermia, Tension pneumothorax, Tamponade, Toxins, Thrombosis (coronary or pulmonary).
Synonyms : H's and T's, Reversible factors
Always think H's and T's during a code blue—Philippine nurses use this framework to guide their assessment while performing ACLS. Treat the cause, not just the rhythm.
When the patient's PEA persisted despite epinephrine, the team quickly assessed for reversible causes: they found hypoxia from displaced ET tube (Hypoxia) and tension pneumothorax from central line placement (Tension pneumothorax), which were immediately treated.
- Therapeutic hypothermia (noun) /ˌθerəˈpjuːtɪk ˌhaɪpoʊˈθɜːrmiə/
- Intentional reduction of core body temperature to 32-36°C for 24 hours following ROSC to improve neurological outcomes by reducing brain metabolism, inflammation, and free radical damage.
Synonyms : Targeted temperature management, Therapeutic cooling
Therapeutic hypothermia is the only proven neuroprotective intervention after cardiac arrest—Philippine hospitals like Philippine General Hospital use cooling blankets or intravascular catheters for precise temperature control.
The ICU team at The Medical City initiated therapeutic hypothermia protocol on the post-arrest patient, using a cooling blanket to maintain core temperature at 34°C for 24 hours while monitoring for shivering and electrolyte imbalances.
Emergency Medicine
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) (noun) /ədˈvænst ˈkɑːrdiæk ˈlaɪf səˌpɔːrt/
- Set of clinical guidelines established by the American Heart Association for treating life-threatening cardiovascular conditions and cardiac arrest using advanced medications, procedures, and equipment beyond basic CPR. ACLS expands BLS with specific algorithms for different cardiac rhythms and emergency scenarios.
Synonyms : ACLS
ACLS certification is required for nurses working in emergency departments, ICUs, and critical care units across Philippine hospitals like St. Luke's or The Medical City.
When the patient in the ER at Philippine General Hospital developed ventricular tachycardia, the ACLS-certified nurse immediately administered amiodarone per protocol while preparing for synchronized cardioversion.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) (noun) /ˌbeɪsɪk ˈlaɪf səˌpɔːrt/
- Fundamental emergency care that includes chest compressions, airway management, and rescue breathing to sustain life until advanced care arrives. BLS forms the foundation of all resuscitation efforts and is typically performed by first responders or healthcare providers without advanced equipment.
Synonyms : Basic cardiac life support
BLS keeps oxygenated blood flowing to the brain until ACLS can be initiated—every second without it reduces survival by 7-10%.
When the barangay tanod found Mang Tony slumped outside his sari-sari store in Tondo, they immediately started BLS while shouting for someone to call 911—buying critical minutes before the ambulance from Ospital ng Maynila arrived.
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) (noun) /ˌkɑːrdioʊˈpʌlməneri ˌriːsəˈseɪʃən/
- A lifesaving technique combining chest compressions and rescue breathing to manually maintain circulation and oxygenation in a person experiencing cardiac arrest. Standard CPR follows a 30:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio for adults.
Synonyms : CPR
High-quality CPR with minimal interruptions is more important than perfect technique—push hard and fast at 100-120 compressions per minute to the beat of 'Stayin' Alive' by the Bee Gees.
Nurse Luningning performed CPR on the collapsed construction worker at the corner of EDSA and Ortigas, using her phone's metronome app to keep the rhythm steady while waiting for the ambulance from Capitol Medical Center.
Emergency Services
- National Emergency Hotline (911) (noun) /ˈneɪʃənəl ɪˈmɜːrdʒənsi ˈhoʊtlaɪn naɪn wʌn wʌn/
- Philippine emergency telephone number for reporting fires, medical emergencies, and crimes. Operated by the Philippine National Police and connected to emergency medical services, fire departments, and rescue units nationwide.
Synonyms : 911
Dial 911 for any medical emergency in the Philippines—your call will be routed to the nearest emergency response center, whether you're in Manila, Cebu, or Davao.
When Mang Kardo collapsed at the public market in Quiapo, a bystander immediately dialed 911 and gave the dispatcher the exact location near Rizal Park, allowing the ambulance from Ospital ng Maynila to arrive within 5 minutes.
- Philippine Red Cross (PRC) (noun) /fɪˈlɪpiːn rɛd krɔs/
- Humanitarian organization providing emergency relief, disaster response, and health services across the Philippines. PRC offers BLS and ACLS training courses through its network of chapters in Manila, Cebu, Davao, and other major cities.
Synonyms : PRC
PRC is your go-to for affordable ACLS certification in the Philippines—with chapters in every region, you can find training near your workplace or home.
The nurse at the rural health unit in Bukidnon completed her ACLS certification through the Philippine Red Cross chapter in Cagayan de Oro, allowing her to handle cardiac emergencies in her community.
Healthcare Facilities
- Emergency Department (ED) (noun) /ɪˈmɜːrdʒənsi dɪˈpɑːrtmənt/
- Specialized hospital unit providing immediate medical care for acute illnesses and injuries, including cardiac emergencies. EDs in Philippine hospitals like Makati Medical Center or St. Luke's operate 24/7 and are the frontline for ACLS interventions.
Synonyms : ER, Accident and Emergency (A&E)
The ED is where ACLS happens in real time—nurses must be ACLS-certified to work in most Philippine EDs, as cardiac arrests occur daily in these high-volume units.
When the heart attack patient arrived at the ED in Cebu Doctors' University Hospital, the ACLS-certified nurse immediately attached the monitor, started oxygen, and prepared the crash cart while the physician assessed the patient.
- Intensive Care Unit (ICU) (noun) /ˈɪntensɪv keər ˈjuːnɪt/
- Highly specialized hospital unit providing continuous monitoring and advanced life support for critically ill patients, including those recovering from cardiac arrest. ICUs in Philippine hospitals like Philippine Heart Center or Asian Hospital have ACLS-trained staff 24/7.
Synonyms : Critical Care Unit (CCU), ICU
ICU nurses are ACLS experts—they manage post-arrest care, titrate vasoactive drips, and monitor for complications like arrhythmias or sepsis in the critical first 24 hours.
The ICU nurse at St. Luke's Global monitored the post-arrest patient's temperature, titrated norepinephrine to maintain MAP >65 mmHg, and managed the therapeutic hypothermia protocol for 24 hours.
Medical Equipment
- Automated External Defibrillator (AED) (noun) /ˈɔːtəmeɪtɪd ɪkˈstɜːrnəl diːˌfɪbrɪˈleɪtər/
- Portable electronic device that automatically analyzes the heart's rhythm and delivers an electrical shock if it detects a shockable rhythm like ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. Designed for use by non-medical personnel.
Synonyms : AED
AEDs are strategically placed in public areas across the Philippines—shopping malls, airports, and government buildings—because early defibrillation saves lives.
The AED at the entrance of SM Megamall beeped and flashed green lights, guiding the bystander to place the pads correctly on the unconscious man's bare chest before delivering the shock.
- Bag-valve mask (BVM) (noun) /ˌbæɡ ˈvælv ˈmæsk/
- Handheld device used to provide positive pressure ventilation to patients who are not breathing adequately or require assistance. Consists of a self-inflating bag, one-way valve, face mask, and oxygen reservoir.
Synonyms : Ambu bag, Manual resuscitator
BVM ventilation is your first-line airway management tool—master it because intubation isn't always immediately available in Philippine ERs.
The barangay health worker used a BVM to ventilate the unconscious man at the public market in Binondo while waiting for the ambulance to arrive with advanced airway equipment.
- Biphasic defibrillator (noun) /baɪˈfeɪzɪk diːˌfɪbrɪˈleɪtər/
- Defibrillator that delivers electrical current in two directions during shock delivery, allowing for more effective defibrillation at lower energy doses. Current AHA guidelines recommend biphasic waveforms for all defibrillation attempts.
Synonyms : Biphasic
Biphasic defibrillators are the gold standard—Philippine hospitals like St. Luke's and Makati Medical Center use them exclusively due to their superior efficacy and safety profile.
The biphasic defibrillator at the ER in Cebu Doctors' University Hospital delivered 200J shocks with 90% first-shock success rate for ventricular fibrillation, compared to 60% with the old monophasic model.
- Crash cart (noun) /kræʃ kɑːrt/
- Mobile cart stocked with emergency medications, airway equipment, defibrillator, and supplies needed for rapid response to cardiac arrest or other emergencies. Found in ERs, ICUs, and wards across Philippine hospitals.
Synonyms : Code cart, Emergency cart
Know your crash cart inside out—every second counts during a code blue. Philippine hospitals standardize crash cart contents based on ACLS protocols.
The nurse at the ER in Makati Medical Center grabbed the crash cart during the code blue, quickly locating the epinephrine, amiodarone, and defibrillator pads while the team continued high-quality CPR.
- Monophasic defibrillator (noun) /ˌmɑːnoʊˈfeɪzɪk diːˌfɪbrɪˈleɪtər/
- Defibrillator that delivers a single, constant-direction electrical current during shock delivery. Less commonly used today due to higher energy requirements and potential for post-shock myocardial dysfunction compared to biphasic defibrillators.
Synonyms : Monophasic
Monophasic defibrillators are outdated—Philippine hospitals have mostly switched to biphasic models, which are more effective at lower energy doses.
The old monophasic defibrillator at the rural health unit in Antique required 360J shocks, whereas the newer biphasic model at the provincial hospital only needed 200J for the same rhythm.
Medications
- Amiodarone (noun) /ˌæmiˈoʊdəroʊn/
- An antiarrhythmic medication used to treat life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias and atrial fibrillation. In ACLS, it's administered for shock-refractory ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation after defibrillation attempts.
Synonyms : Cordarone
Amiodarone prolongs the cardiac action potential, stabilizing the heart's electrical activity—think of it as the 'reset button' for dangerous heart rhythms.
When the patient's ventricular tachycardia persisted after three shocks in the ER at Makati Medical Center, the physician ordered 300 mg amiodarone IV push, which finally converted the rhythm to normal sinus.
- Atropine (noun) /ˈætrəpiːn/
- An anticholinergic medication used to increase heart rate by blocking vagal stimulation. In ACLS protocols, it's administered for symptomatic bradycardia or asystole when vagal tone is excessive.
Atropine speeds up a dangerously slow heart—0.5 mg IV push every 3-5 minutes up to a total of 3 mg—for bradycardia causing hypotension or altered mental status.
The ICU nurse at St. Luke's Global observed the patient's heart rate drop to 30 bpm with dizziness, so she administered 0.5 mg atropine IV, which increased the rate to 60 bpm within minutes.
- Epinephrine (noun) /ˌepɪˈnefrɪn/
- A vasopressor and cardiac stimulant administered during cardiac arrest to increase coronary and cerebral perfusion pressures. In ACLS protocols, it's given every 3-5 minutes during resuscitation for non-shockable rhythms like asystole or PEA.
Synonyms : Adrenaline, Epi
Epinephrine's alpha-adrenergic effects constrict blood vessels, shunting blood to vital organs—critical when the heart isn't pumping effectively.
The ER nurse at Davao Doctors' Hospital drew up 1 mg of epinephrine from the crash cart and administered it IV push to the asystolic patient, following the ACLS protocol while continuing high-quality CPR.
- Oxygen (noun) /ˈɑːksɪdʒən/
- Colorless, odorless gas essential for cellular respiration. In ACLS, high-flow oxygen is administered to all cardiac arrest patients and those with hypoxia to maintain oxygen saturation above 94%.
Synonyms : O2
Never withhold oxygen during resuscitation—hypoxemia worsens ischemia and reduces the chance of ROSC. Aim for SpO2 ≥94% in cardiac arrest patients.
The ambulance crew from Ospital ng Pasig applied a non-rebreather mask delivering 15 L/min oxygen to the unconscious man in cardiac arrest, ensuring his brain received maximum oxygenation during transport.
- Vasopressin (noun) /ˌveɪzoʊˈprɛsɪn/
- A non-adrenergic vasopressor that constricts blood vessels and increases water reabsorption in the kidneys. In ACLS protocols, it can be used as an alternative to epinephrine in the treatment of cardiac arrest.
Synonyms : Pitressin
Vasopressin causes intense vasoconstriction, increasing blood pressure and blood flow to vital organs during cardiac arrest when the heart isn't pumping effectively.
In the emergency room at Cebu Doctors' University Hospital, the physician chose vasopressin over epinephrine for the patient in PEA, hoping to achieve better coronary perfusion pressure.
Metrics
- Chest compression fraction (noun) /tʃɛst kəmˈprɛʃən ˈfrækʃən/
- Percentage of time during CPR that chest compressions are being performed. Optimal chest compression fraction is >80%, meaning compressions are only paused for ventilation, rhythm analysis, and defibrillation.
Synonyms : Compression fraction
Minimize pauses in compressions—every 5-second pause drops coronary perfusion pressure by 30%. The goal is compressions >80% of the time.
The monitor at the ER in Davao Doctors' Hospital showed a chest compression fraction of 85% during the 20-minute resuscitation, indicating excellent CPR quality.
Monitoring
- Capnography (noun) /ˌkæpˈnɑːɡrəfi/
- Continuous monitoring of exhaled carbon dioxide (CO2) levels, providing real-time information about ventilation, perfusion, and metabolism. In ACLS, it confirms proper endotracheal tube placement and monitors the effectiveness of CPR.
Synonyms : Capnometry, End-tidal CO2 monitoring
Capnography tells you if your compressions are effective—ETCO2 >10 mmHg during CPR indicates adequate perfusion to the lungs and brain.
The monitor at the ER in Philippine Heart Center showed an ETCO2 of 15 mmHg during CPR, indicating good chest compression quality and adequate coronary perfusion pressure.
Outcomes
- Return of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC) (noun) /rɪˈtɜːrn əv spoʊˈteɪniəs ˌsɜːrkjʊˈleɪʃən/
- Recovery of sustained palpable pulse and effective blood flow to the body's organs following cardiac arrest. ROSC indicates successful resuscitation and is the primary goal of ACLS interventions.
Synonyms : ROSC
ROSC doesn't mean the patient survives—it's just the first step. Immediate post-cardiac arrest care determines neurological outcome and long-term survival.
After 20 minutes of ACLS in the ER at Makati Medical Center, the monitor showed a sudden return of organized rhythm with a palpable carotid pulse—the team celebrated ROSC but prepared for post-arrest care.
Procedures
- Endotracheal intubation (noun) /ˌendotreɪkiːəl ˌɪntuːˈbeɪʃən/
- Insertion of a tube through the mouth into the trachea to establish and maintain a patent airway, facilitate mechanical ventilation, and protect against aspiration. Essential for airway management in cardiac arrest when bag-valve mask ventilation is inadequate.
Synonyms : ET intubation, Intubation
Intubation provides definitive airway control, but only attempt it if you're trained—improper technique can worsen hypoxia and delay chest compressions.
The anesthesiologist at The Medical City successfully intubated the patient in ventricular fibrillation after three failed attempts with BVM ventilation, allowing for proper oxygenation during the resuscitation effort.
- Intraosseous access (noun) /ˌɪntroʊˈosiəs ˈækses/
- Emergency technique for obtaining vascular access by inserting a needle into the bone marrow cavity, typically the tibia or humerus. Used when peripheral IV access is unobtainable in emergency situations like cardiac arrest.
Synonyms : IO access, Bone marrow infusion
IO access works just like IV access—medications and fluids administered IO reach the central circulation within seconds. Every nurse should know how to place an IO in the Philippines where IV access can be challenging.
When the collapsed patient in cardiac arrest at the ER in Davao Doctors' Hospital had no peripheral veins, the nurse inserted an intraosseous line in the proximal tibia and administered epinephrine within 30 seconds.
- Synchronized cardioversion (noun) /ˈsɪŋkrənaɪzd ˌkɑːrdioʊˈvɜːrʒən/
- Controlled electrical shock delivered in synchronization with the R-wave of the ECG to terminate supraventricular or ventricular tachycardias that are causing hemodynamic compromise. Used for unstable but perfusing tachyarrhythmias.
Synonyms : Cardioversion, Electrical cardioversion
Synchronization prevents shocking during the vulnerable T-wave, which could trigger ventricular fibrillation. Always synchronize before delivering the shock.
The patient with atrial fibrillation and rapid ventricular response at the ER in Philippine Heart Center became hypotensive, so the physician performed synchronized cardioversion at 100J, converting the rhythm to normal sinus.
- Transcutaneous pacing (noun) /trænzˈkjuːteɪniəs ˈpeɪsɪŋ/
- Non-invasive method of pacing the heart through the skin using external electrodes connected to a pacing device. Used for symptomatic bradycardia unresponsive to atropine or when pacing is needed emergently.
Synonyms : TCP, External pacing
Transcutaneous pacing is temporary—it's a bridge to transvenous pacing or definitive treatment. Expect discomfort for the patient and muscle twitching.
When the patient's heart rate dropped to 25 bpm with hypotension at the ER in Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, the nurse initiated transcutaneous pacing at 80 bpm, stabilizing the patient until a transvenous pacemaker could be placed.
Professional Organizations
- Philippine Heart Association (PHA) (noun) /fɪˈlɪpiːn hɑːrt əˌsoʊsiˈeɪʃən/
- National organization of cardiologists and healthcare professionals dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of cardiovascular diseases in the Philippines. PHA provides ACLS certification courses through affiliated training centers.
Synonyms : PHA
PHA-accredited ACLS courses are recognized nationwide—completing a PHA-approved course ensures your certification is valid in any Philippine hospital.
Nurse Maria completed her ACLS certification through the Philippine Heart Association's training center in Quezon City, making her eligible to work in critical care units across the country.
Protocols
- ACLS algorithm (noun) /ˈælɡərɪðəm/
- Standardized step-by-step treatment pathway for managing cardiac arrest and peri-arrest conditions. ACLS algorithms include specific branches for shockable rhythms (VF/pVT), non-shockable rhythms (asystole/PEA), bradycardia, and tachycardia.
Synonyms : ACLS protocol, ACLS guideline
Memorize the ACLS algorithms—they're your roadmap during a code blue. Philippine hospitals like St. Luke's use modified versions based on AHA guidelines.
When the patient developed bradycardia with hypotension at the ER in The Medical City, the nurse followed the ACLS bradycardia algorithm, administering atropine and preparing for transcutaneous pacing.
- Defibrillation energy dose (noun) /diːˌfɪbrɪˈleɪʃən ˈɛnərdʒi doʊs/
- Amount of electrical energy delivered during defibrillation, measured in joules (J). For biphasic defibrillators, initial dose is typically 120-200J for ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia.
Synonyms : Shock dose, Energy setting
Use the manufacturer's recommended energy dose for your defibrillator—Philippine hospitals like The Medical City use biphasic defibrillators with escalating energy protocols.
The AED at SM City Cebu delivered an initial shock of 150J to the collapsed shopper, successfully converting the ventricular fibrillation to a perfusing rhythm.
- High-quality CPR (noun) /haɪ ˈkwɑːləti ˌsiː piː ˈɑːr/
- CPR performed with specific parameters to maximize blood flow to the heart and brain: chest compressions at 100-120/min, depth of 5-6 cm, full chest recoil, minimal interruptions (<10 sec), and avoidance of excessive ventilation.
Synonyms : Effective CPR
High-quality CPR is the single most important intervention in cardiac arrest—focus on compressions first, ventilations second. Use the 'push hard, push fast' mantra.
The BLS team at Ospital ng Tondo maintained high-quality CPR with a compression fraction >80%, allowing the patient's blood pressure to reach 80/40 mmHg during the resuscitation effort.