SYSTEMATIC APPROACH TO ACLS

Question 1

BLS Assessment

Answer 1

Check Responsiveness: tap patient and shout “are you okay.” Scan patient for
Activate the emergency response system and obtain an AED
Circulation: Check for carotid pulse
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