Pass ACLS Tip of the Day
Paul Taylor
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Pass ACLS Tip of the Day is a podcast by Paul from PassACLS.com designed to help medical professionals prepare for Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification. Each short episode acts like an audio flash card, covering key concepts, algorithms, and skills needed to recognize and respond to cardiac emergencies. It's intended to supplement official course materials and is useful for both new learners and seasoned providers seeking a refresher.
Епизоди
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Medication Review: Atropine & Dopamine for Unstable Bradycardia 18.09.2026 7минReview the 2025 ACLS guidelines for Atropine and Dopamine in the treatment of unstable bradycardia, including: dosing, administration, and precautions.When we should use the bradycardia algorithm. The signs & symptoms of unstable bradycardia. Atropine's dose and maximum for bradycardia. The use of atropine when a patient is in a second-degree type II or third-degree heart block.ECG changes that indicate subsequent doses of atropine are likely to be ineffective. The starting dose of Dopamine.The use of Dopamine for bradycardia as an interim until TCP vs hypotension.Podcasts with additional (advanced-provider level) information about bradycardia, Atropine, & Dopamine can be found on the Pass ACLS Pod Resources page.Links:Pass ACLS: Find ACLS classes near you and discover other podcasts with ACLS-related episodes. https://passacls.com/Buy Me a Coffee: To give back. https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylorAmerican Cancer Society: Fundraiser for breast cancer. Link is valid through October 31st. Together, we will beat cancer! https://secure.acsevents.org/goto/paultaylorSafe Meds VIP: Patient-facing information about medication safety and a free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets. https://safemeds.vipLinkedIn: @Pass-ACLS-Podcast. https://www.linkedin.com/company/pass-acls-podcast/ -
Oropharyngeal Airway (OPA) 16.09.2026 7минReview the appropriate & safe use of an oropharyngeal airway (OPA) to keep an unresponsive patient's tongue from blocking their airway.The tongue is the most common airway obstruction in an unconscious patient.The oropharyngeal airway is sometimes called an OPA or simply an oral airway.Indications for using an oral airway.Contraindication for an oral airway and an alternative airway that can be used for patients with an intact gag reflex.Measuring an OPA and possible complications from inserting one that is too small or too large.Two techniques to properly insert an OPA.The use of an oral airway during CPR.The use of an OPA as a bite block after a patient has an advanced airway placed.Links:Pass ACLS: Find ACLS classes near you and discover other podcasts with ACLS-related episodes. https://passacls.com/Buy Me a Coffee: To give back. https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylorAmerican Cancer Society: Fundraiser for breast cancer. Link is valid through October 31st. Together, we will beat cancer! https://secure.acsevents.org/goto/paultaylorPrescription Discount Card: Get your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets. https://nationaldrugcard.com/ndc3506/LinkedIn: @Pass-ACLS-Podcast. https://www.linkedin.com/company/pass-acls-podcast/ -
Hypoxia: An H&T Reversible Cause of Cardiac Arrest 14.09.2026 7минTips for ACLS providers to consider when evaluating hypoxia as a possible cause of cardiac arrest and what we should do to correct it.Determining hypoxia using a pulse oximeter or arterial blood gasses (ABGs).A goal of ACLS is to recognize signs of hypoxia and provide timely treatment to prevent an arrest.Examples of some things that might lead us to think of hypoxia as a cause of cardiac arrest.Why pulse ox doesn’t give accurate readings during CPR.Delivering ventilations with near 100% oxygen concentration using a BVM attached to supplemental O2.Using waveform capnography to assess the quality of CPR.Providing artificial ventilations with vs without placement of an advanced airway.Effects of changes to ventilation rates, tidal volume, and O2 concentration. The danger of excessive ventilation of a patient in cardiac arrest.Links:Pass ACLS: Find ACLS classes near you and discover other podcasts with ACLS-related episodes. https://passacls.com/Buy Me a Coffee: To give back. https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylorAmerican Cancer Society: Fundraiser for breast cancer. Link is valid through October 31st. Together, we will beat cancer! https://secure.acsevents.org/goto/paultaylorPrescription Discount Card: Get your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets. https://nationaldrugcard.com/ndc3506/@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pass-acls-podcast/ -
Sinus Tachycardia vs Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) 09.09.2026 7минReview the ECG characteristics of sinus tachycardia & SVT and the treatment of unstable patients with cardioversion.Signs & symptoms that indicate a patient is unstable.Delivery of a synchronized shock for the treatment of unstable SVT using a biphasic vs monophasic defibrillator.Consideration for team safety while performing synchronized cardioversion.Actions to take immediately if an unstable patient we’ve cardioverted goes into a pulseless rhythm. For more free information on narrow complex tachycardias, check out the pod resource page at passacls.com.Links:Pass ACLS: Find ACLS classes near you and discover other podcasts with ACLS-related episodes. https://passacls.com/Buy Me a Coffee: To give back. https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylorPrescription Discount Card: Get your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets. https://nationaldrugcard.com/ndc3506/@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/company/pass-acls-podcast/ -
Epinephrine Administration During Cardiac Arrest 02.09.2026 5минWhen we give the first dose of epinephrine to a patient in cardiac arrest. Epi’s dose, route, repeat frequency, & maximum dose following ACLS's Adult Cardiac Arrest algorithm.Epinephrine is the first IV medication we administer to every patient in cardiac arrest. When we give the first dose of epinephrine depends on whether the patient is in a shockable or non-shockable rhythm.When to give the first dose of epinephrine and its frequency for patients in asystole or PEA following the right side of the Adult Cardiac Arrest algorithm.When to give the first dose of epi and its frequency for patients in V-Fib or pulseless V-Tach following the left side of the Adult Cardiac Arrest algorithm.Example chronology of events for a scenario where a patient is found unresponsive with only gasping/agonal breathing. Administration of epi via the IO route in the absence of an IV.The maximum cumulative dose of epinephrine that can be administered to patients in cardiac arrest.When do we stop administering epinephrine.Links:Pass ACLS: Find ACLS classes near you and discover other podcasts with ACLS-related episodes. https://passacls.com/Buy Me a Coffee: To give back. https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylorPrescription Discount Card: Get your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets. https://nationaldrugcard.com/ndc3506/@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/company/pass-acls-podcast/ -
Common Stroke Mimics 31.08.2026 6минA brief review of some easily identifiable & treatable medical conditions that can mimic a stroke.If a person suddenly develops symptoms such as weakness, slurred or garbled speech, loss of balance, or a massive & severe headache; it’s possible they could be having a stroke.The Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale.There are several conditions that can mimic a stroke.Identification & Treatment of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.Identification & Treatment of hypoxia.Some seizures, electrolyte imbalance, sepsis, brain tumors, and Bell’s Palsy can also mimic a stroke.Prehospital providers should transport suspected stroke patients to a stroke center following their local protocols.Hospital providers should active their stroke team to ensure rapid assessment and treatment.Links:Pass ACLS: Find ACLS classes near you and discover other podcasts with ACLS-related episodes. https://passacls.com/Buy Me a Coffee: To give back. https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylorSafe Meds VIP: Learn about medication safety and download a free drug discount card to money on your prescription medications. https://safemeds.vip/ -
Alternative Routes for IV Medication Administration: IO vs ETT 28.08.2026 7минThe pros and cons of ACLS medication administration via the intraosseous (IO) vs endotracheal tube (ETT) route when IV access can’t be established.The locations we should place an IO when running a code.The ACLS medications that can be given intraosseous.Where you can find more information about intraosseous access during resuscitation efforts.In the absence of an IV or IO, some medications may be given down the endotracheal tube.The disadvantages of medication administration via ETT.Review of the ACLS medications that can be given down the tube and how they should be given.2025 ACLS guidelines regarding medication administration via the ET tube.Links:Pass ACLS: Find ACLS classes near you and discover other podcasts with ACLS-related episodes. https://passacls.com/Buy Me a Coffee: To give back. https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylorSafe Meds VIP: Learn about medication safety and download a free drug discount card to money on your prescription medications. https://safemeds.vip/ -
Prehospital EMS Capabilities and Destination Protocols 26.08.2026 6минPrehospital EMS capabilities and why paramedic-staffed ALS ambulances make a difference in the early identification & treatment of STEMI and stroke.The chain of survival for a cardiac emergency and stroke. ALS ambulances are staffed with paramedics who have training in ACLS skills. Why EMS Destination Protocols for suspected stroke and STEMI make a difference.ACLS’s timed benchmarks for:point of first medical contact to PCI for ST elevation MI;door to tPA or Tenecteplase for ischemic stroke; andonset of symptoms to EVT for LVO strokes.Why EMS should bypass a close hospital to transport a STEMI or suspected stroke patient to a hospital capable of 24/7 PCI or a certified stroke center.Check out the Pod Resource page at passacls.com for links to the "EMS On Air" podcast for links to episodes that look at EMS's role in stroke outcomes in the rural vs urban area.Links:Pass ACLS: Find ACLS classes near you and discover other podcasts with ACLS-related episodes. https://passacls.com/Buy Me a Coffee: To give back. https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylorSafe Meds VIP: Learn about medication safety and download a free drug discount card to money on your prescription medications. https://safemeds.vip/ -
Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Use 24.08.2026 7минReview the use of an AED including: indications & contraindications; connecting the device; administering a shock; and general safety considerations.Why we should use an AED.The general instructions for safe use of AED.Following the Adult Cardiac Arrest algorithm while using an AED.Contraindications to AED use.General safety considerations to remember.When we should discontinue resuscitation efforts and call the code.Links:Pass ACLS: Find ACLS classes near you and discover other podcasts with ACLS-related episodes. https://passacls.com/Buy Me a Coffee: To give back. https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylorSafe Meds VIP: Learn about medication safety and download a free drug discount card to money on your prescription medications. https://safemeds.vip/ -
Asystole & Pulseless Electrical Activity (PEA) 21.08.2026 8минReview the Asystole/PEA side of the Cardiac Arrest algorithm including: epinephrine administration, advanced airways, causes of PEA, and when to call the code.For apneic patients without a carotid pulse or patients with only gasping/agonal respirations, we will follow the Adult Cardiac Arrest algorithm. For pulseless patients that the AED doesn't advise a shock, the patient's ECG shows asystole, or a non-perfusing organized rhythm (PEA), we will follow the right side of the Adult Cardiac Arrest algorithm.Initial steps are aimed at delivery of high-quality CPR to keep the brain and vital organs alive. Epinephrine administration.Placement of an advanced airway.Considering possible reversible H & T causes of cardiac arrest including three common causes of PEA and their emergent interventions.When we should discontinue resuscitation efforts and call the code.Links:Pass ACLS: Find ACLS classes near you and discover other podcasts with ACLS-related episodes. https://passacls.com/Buy Me a Coffee: To give back. https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylorSafe Meds VIP: Learn about medication safety and download a free drug discount card to money on your prescription medications. https://safemeds.vip/ -
CPR Songs 19.08.2026 5минMany CPR classes use songs like "Stayin Alive" to help compressors maintain an adequate rate. Advantages, disadvantages, and a selection of CPR songs from the American Heart Association’s play list.Providing good, high-quality CPR with minimal interruptions and early defibrillation are two key interventions shown to improved cardiac arrest outcomes.A training tool used in many CPR and ACLS classes is to use a song (or a song list) to help the person doing chest compressions maintain a rate of 100-120 per minute.Characteristics of songs that will help us perform good CPR.Advantages & disadvantages of using a song during CPR.Considerations if playing a song during a code.Selected songs from various genres and time periods from AHA's "Don’t Drop The Beat" playlist on Spotify.Links:Pass ACLS: Find ACLS classes near you and discover other podcasts with ACLS-related episodes. https://passacls.com/Buy Me a Coffee: To give back. https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylorSafe Meds VIP: Learn about medication safety and download a free drug discount card to money on your prescription medications. https://safemeds.vip/AHA’s Don’t Drop the Beat Playlist: Opens in Spotify. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2mU2FNAhSOtQwW0hBgQMaK -
Obtaining a Medical History 17.08.2026 5минObtaining a medical history guides clinical decisions so we can provide the safest evidence-based care possible. The SAMPLE-PQRST format is explained.A patient’s medical history will help us identify things that may be causing (or contributing) to their current condition as well as guide our decisions so we provide the safest evidence-based care possible.Examples of information obtained in a medical history that will impact the treatment we provide.There are several mnemonics and memory aids that people use to guide their history taking.Review the SAMPLE-PQRST medical history mnemonic.Links:Pass ACLS: Find ACLS classes near you and discover other podcasts with ACLS-related episodes. https://passacls.com/Buy Me a Coffee: To give back. https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylorSafe Meds VIP: Learn about medication safety and download a free drug discount card to money on your prescription medications. https://safemeds.vip/ -
Medication Review: Magnesium and Procainamide 14.08.2026 7минThe indications and administration of ACLS antiarrhythmics Magnesium & Procainamide for treating Torsades de Pointes and stable tachycardias.Identification of Torsades on the ECG.Administration of a magnesium for stable patients with Torsades vs patients in cardiac arrest.Procainamide use for stable patients with a monomorphic wide-complex tachycardia.Procainamide dosing and when to stop the infusion.Tip for determining whether magnesium or Procainamide should be used when treating stable patients with V-Tach.Links:Pass ACLS: Find ACLS classes near you and discover other podcasts with ACLS-related episodes. https://passacls.com/Buy Me a Coffee: To give back. https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylorSafe Meds VIP: Learn about medication safety and download a free drug discount card to money on your prescription medications. https://safemeds.vip/ -
Hypovolemia: A H&T Reversable Cause of Cardiac Arrest 12.08.2026 4минReview of hypovolemia as a H&T reversable cause of cardiac arrest including: causes, signs & symptoms, and treatment.When a patient loses excessive amounts of fluids, we say that they are in a state of hypovolemia.The most obvious cause of hypovolemia is from bleeding.Common conditions other than bleeding that can cause hypovolemia.Bleeding can be internal or external and caused by trauma, pathology, or iatrogenic.Classic signs & symptoms of hypovolemic shock.Volume replacement with crystalloids vs blood.Links:Pass ACLS: Find ACLS classes near you and discover other podcasts with ACLS-related episodes. https://passacls.com/Buy Me a Coffee: To give back. https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylorSafe Meds VIP: Learn about medication safety and download a free drug discount card to money on your prescription medications. https://safemeds.vip/ -
ACLS Medication Review: Morphine & Fentanyl 10.08.2026 7минReview the mechanism of action and safe administration of Morphine or Fentanyl for patients with myocardial ischemia in ACLS’s Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) algorithm.MONA is the acronym sometimes used to help us remember the interventions to consider for patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome.Morphine and Fentanyl's use in the Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) algorithm.Why Morphine or Fentanyl is helpful for patients with ACS.Contraindications and considerations for their safe administration.Common dosing & administration.Monitoring of the patient's level of consciousness, pain, blood pressure, and respirations after administration.Possible side effects.Narcan as an antidote to Morphine or Fentanyl if needed.Links:Pass ACLS: Find ACLS classes near you and discover other podcasts with ACLS-related episodes. https://passacls.com/Buy Me a Coffee: To support the show. https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylorSafe Meds VIP: Learn about medication safety and download a free drug discount card to save money on your prescription medications. https://safemeds.vip/Thanks for listening. Good luck with your class! -
Maintaining a Chest Compression Fraction (CCF) Above 80% 07.08.2026 6минTeamwork and communication tips to help ACLS providers limit interruptions to CPR chest compressions to less than 10 seconds to maintain a CCF above 80%.Even good CPR is far less efficient at circulating blood than a functioning heart.The indicators of high-quality CPR that were identified at the 2012 AHA CPR Quality Summit.Three tips to limit pauses in CPR compressions to 10 seconds or less.Teams with good communication and follow these actions obtain a CCF of 92% or higher.Links:Pass ACLS: Find ACLS classes near you and discover other podcasts with ACLS-related episodes. https://passacls.com/Buy Me a Coffee: To support the show. https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylorSafe Meds VIP: Learn about medication safety and download a free drug discount card to money on your prescription medications. https://safemeds.vip/ -
Medication Review: Epinephrine & Dopamine 05.08.2026 7минA brief review of two commonly used ACLS medications: epinephrine & Dopamine. Their indications, doses, and considerations for safety is discussed.Epinephrine and Dopamine are adrenergic agonist used in several ACLS algorithms.The use of epinephrine for severe anaphylaxis and unstable bradycardia.Review epinephrine’s effects on blood vessels and bronchioles.Why epinephrine is helpful for patients with anaphylaxis.Using an epi drip for unstable bradycardia.Epinephrine administration during cardiac arrest.Starting an epinephrine or Dopamine drip for patients that have ROSC.Review the effects of Dopamine based on mcg/kg/min dosing.Monitoring the patient and titrating epi or Dopamine drips to prevent harm.For more information on ACLS medications, check out the pod resource page at passacls.com.Links:Pass ACLS: Find ACLS classes near you and discover other podcasts with ACLS-related episodes. https://passacls.com/Buy Me a Coffee: To support the show and help cover the cost of hosting.https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylorSafe Meds VIP: Learn about medication safety and download a drug discount card to money on your prescription medications. https://safemeds.vip/ -
Artificial Ventilation Rates, Ratios, & Quality Measures 03.08.2026 8минReview of: rescue breathing; advantages of waveform capnography; and delivering artificial ventilations during CPR with and without an advanced airway.Providing rescue breathing to apneic patients with a palpable pulse.Normal end tidal CO2 for patients with a pulse.Identification of cardiac arrest and our immediate actions.Providing artificial ventilations during CPR without an advanced airway vs with an advanced airway in place.Using quantitative waveform capnography to confirm placement of an advanced airway, assess the quality of CPR, and identify ROSC.The effects of hyperventilating patients in cardiac arrest.Links:Pass ACLS: Find ACLS classes near you and discover other podcasts with ACLS-related episodes. https://passacls.com/Buy Me a Coffee: To support the show and help cover the cost of hosting. https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylorSafe Meds VIP: Learn about medication safety and download a drug discount card to save money on your prescription medications. https://safemeds.vip/ -
Hypothermia: A H&T Reversible Cause of Cardiac Arrest 26.11.2025 3минAccidental hypothermia is one of the Hs in ACLS’s reversible H&T cause of cardiac arrest.Hypothermic patients aren't dead until they are warm and dead.As the body’s temperature drops below 36° C, hypothermia may be classified as moderate or severe.Modifying the ACLS Adult Cardiac Arrest algorithm for patients with severe hypothermia.Following the ACLS algorithm for patients with a body core temperature above 30° C.Methods for rewarming patients with moderate vs severe hypothermia.Continuation of CPR and ACLS efforts until the patient’s body core temp is above 36° C.Good luck with your ACLS class!Links: Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor Free Prescription Discount Card - Get your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets: https://nationaldrugcard.com/ndc3506/Pass ACLS Web Site - Other ACLS-related resources: https://passacls.com@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn -
Medication Review: Calcium Channel Blockers 25.11.2025 4минThe use of calcium channel blocker medications for tachycardias refractory to Adenosine and to lower the blood pressure of hypertensive stroke patients.Calcium is one of the ions that move across the cellular membrane during cardiac contraction and relaxation.The primary use of calcium channel blockers in ACLS.Use of calcium channel blockers for SVT refractory to Adenosine and A-Fib or A-Flutter with RVR.Contraindications of calcium channel blockers.Nicardipine use during the treatment of ischemic strokes.For more information on ACLS medications, tachycardia, or stroke check out the pod resource page at passacls.com.Good luck with your ACLS class!Links: Buy Me a Coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor Free Prescription Discount Card - Get your free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets: https://nationaldrugcard.com/ndc3506/Pass ACLS Web Site - Other ACLS-related resources: https://passacls.com@Pass-ACLS-Podcast on LinkedIn
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