Pass ACLS Tip of the Day

Paul Taylor
  • 4.7 (45)
  • Medicine
  • Updated Daily

I'm Paul from PassACLS.com and I'm here to help you pass ACLS. Like an audio flash card, this podcast is intended to aid any medical professional preparing for an Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) class. Each three-to-nine minute episode covers one of the skills needed to recognize a stroke or cardiac emergency and work as a high performing team to deliver safe, evidence-based patient care. Listening to a tip a day for a few weeks prior to your ACLS class will help cement the core concepts that have been shown to improve outcomes in patients suffering a heart attack, cardiac arrest, or stroke. In addition to the Chain of Survival, core concepts, and ACLS algorithms; specific information needed to pass the written exam, BLS checks, and megacode following the ILCOR 2025 recommendations are presented. Healthcare providers that are already ACLS certified, but rarely participate in codes, may find listening a helpful reminder. Disclaimer: This podcast is a supplement to your course's approved text book and videos - not a replacement. The information presented is for educational purposes only, is intended for medical professionals, and is not medical advice. Medical professionals should follow their local laws, agency protocols, and act only within their scope of practice.

  1. 6h ago

    Oropharyngeal Airway (OPA)

    Review 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/paultaylor American Cancer Society: Fundraiser for breast cancer. Link is valid through October 31st. Together, we will beat cancer! https://secure.acsevents.org/goto/paultaylor Prescription 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/

    Oropharyngeal Airway (OPA)

  2. 2d ago

    Hypoxia: An H&T Reversible Cause of Cardiac Arrest

    Tips 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/paultaylor American Cancer Society: Fundraiser for breast cancer. Link is valid through October 31st. Together, we will beat cancer! https://secure.acsevents.org/goto/paultaylor 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-Podcast on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pass-acls-podcast/

    Hypoxia: An H&T Reversible Cause of Cardiac Arrest

  3. Sep 9

    Sinus Tachycardia vs Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)

    Review 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/paultaylor 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-Podcast on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/company/pass-acls-podcast/

    Sinus Tachycardia vs Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)

  4. Sep 2

    Epinephrine Administration During Cardiac Arrest

    When 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/paultaylor 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-Podcast on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/company/pass-acls-podcast/

    Epinephrine Administration During Cardiac Arrest

  5. Aug 31

    Common Stroke Mimics

    A 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/paultaylor Safe Meds VIP: Learn about medication safety and download a free drug discount card to money on your prescription medications. https://safemeds.vip/

    Common Stroke Mimics

  6. Aug 28

    Alternative Routes for IV Medication Administration: IO vs ETT

    The 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/paultaylor Safe 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

  7. Aug 26

    Prehospital EMS Capabilities and Destination Protocols

    Prehospital 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/paultaylor Safe 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

  8. Aug 24

    Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Use

    Review 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/paultaylor Safe 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
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About

I'm Paul from PassACLS.com and I'm here to help you pass ACLS. Like an audio flash card, this podcast is intended to aid any medical professional preparing for an Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) class. Each three-to-nine minute episode covers one of the skills needed to recognize a stroke or cardiac emergency and work as a high performing team to deliver safe, evidence-based patient care. Listening to a tip a day for a few weeks prior to your ACLS class will help cement the core concepts that have been shown to improve outcomes in patients suffering a heart attack, cardiac arrest, or stroke. In addition to the Chain of Survival, core concepts, and ACLS algorithms; specific information needed to pass the written exam, BLS checks, and megacode following the ILCOR 2025 recommendations are presented. Healthcare providers that are already ACLS certified, but rarely participate in codes, may find listening a helpful reminder. Disclaimer: This podcast is a supplement to your course's approved text book and videos - not a replacement. The information presented is for educational purposes only, is intended for medical professionals, and is not medical advice. Medical professionals should follow their local laws, agency protocols, and act only within their scope of practice.

Information

  • Creator
    Paul Taylor
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Paul Taylor
  • Show Website
    Pass ACLS Tip of the Day

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