Best Early Defibrillation Podcasts (2024)

1
Calcium Channel Blockers Used in ACLS 4:44

2h ago4:44

4:44

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 is for the treatment of stable, narrow complex tachycardias refractory to Adenosine and to lower the blood pressure of ischemic stroke patients with severe hypertension. Use of calcium chan…

1
Post-Arrest Care & Targeted Temperature Management (TTM) 5:19

5h ago5:19

5:19

The goal of CPR is to keep the brain and vital organs perfused until return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) is achieved. Post-arrest care and recovery are the final two links in the chain of survival. Identification of ROSC during CPR. Initial patient management goals after identifying ROSC. The patient’s GCS/LOC should be evaluated to determine …

1
Nitroglycerine Use for ACS 4:47

4h ago4:47

4:47

Nitroglycerine is vasodilator that affects peripheral blood vessels and coronary arteries. Because of its widespread dilation effects on blood vessels, nitro can quickly lower a patient’s blood pressure, sometimes to the point of making a patient hypotensive. Assessment of vital signs prior to administering nitro is necessary to ensure patient safe…

1
Atrial Fibrillation/Flutter with RVR 5:11

1d ago5:11

5:11

In atrial fibrillation (A-Fib) and atrial flutter (A-Flutter) the electrical impulse for cardiac contraction is in the atria but isn't the normal pacemaker of the heart, the SA node. The ECG characteristics of A-Fib and A-Flutter. Recognition and treatment of unstable patients in A-Fib/Flutter with rapid ventricular response (RVR). Suggested energy…

1
Tablets & Toxins as a H&T Reversible Cause of Cardiac Arrest 4:37

2d ago4:37

4:37

As an ACLS provider you do not need to be familiar with all of the different signs of various types of poisoning. You should be able to obtain a history and know to order toxicology. The majority of toxins don’t have a specific antidote. There are a few toxins for which we have emergency interventions and ACLS providers should be familiar with. Rev…

1
Knowing When To Use Which ACLS Algorithm 8:46

6d ago8:46

8:46

The ACLS algorithms are designed to make it easier to remember the key interventions we should deliver, and the order in which they should be delivered, to provide the best evidence-based care possible. Generally speaking, if there’s a change in a patient’s condition, we should ensure we’re using the correct algorithm. Three key points to remember …

1
Beta Blocker Use in ACLS Algorithms 4:54

4d ago4:54

4:54

Beta blocking medications attach to Beta receptors to inhibit or “block” the effects of epinephrine (adrenaline)and norepinephrine in the body. The primary locations of Beta I, II, and III receptors. Effects of epinephrine & norepinephrine’s stimulation of beta receptors on the heart. Beta blockers effects on the heart. When we should consider the …

1
Advanced Airways 7:35

10d ago7:35

7:35

This episode we are reviewing the use of advanced airways in the adult cardiac arrest algorithm. When we should consider insertion of an advanced airway for patients in a shockable vs non-shockable rhythm. In addition to an endotracheal tube (ETT), other ACLS advanced airways include the Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) and the Laryngeal Tube airway. Th…

1
Hydrogen Ions as a H&T Reversible Cause of Cardiac Arrest 4:38

15d ago4:38

4:38

Hydrogen ions is on one of the Hs in ACLS's H&T reversible causes of cardiac arrest. When considering hydrogen ions as a cause, what we’re looking at is the patient’s pH, or acid/base balance, and conditions that affect it. The body's normal pH. Using patient history, ABGs, & labs to determine acidosis or alkalosis. Common conditions/causes that ma…

1
Code Flow Using the Adult Cardiac Arrest Algorithm 8:11

16d ago8:11

8:11

Being the team leader during a cardiac arrest is challenging. Using an algorithm helps by standardizing & prioritizing our interventions using an If/Then methodology. Review of BLS steps for determining if rescue breathing or CPR is needed and use of an AED for patients in cardiac arrest. If the patient is in a non-shockable rhythm on the ECG such …

1
Aspirin Use in ACLS’s ACS & Stroke Algorithms 4:25

17d ago4:25

4:25

For patients exhibiting symptoms consistent with myocardial ischemia, Aspirin is the first medications we should consider along with morphine, oxygen, and nitroglycerine; if indicated & safe. Aspirin's mechanism of action & benefits for Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) patients. Contraindications and considerations for aspirin’s use. The dose and rout…

1
Review of First & Third Degree AV Blocks 7:26

18d ago7:26

7:26

To pass ACLS, you will need to be able to identify common rhythms on a monitor during your mega code and ECG strips on your written exam. If you don't normally monitor patients as part of your job, I suggest two things: 1. Find a system for ECG interpretation that works well for you; and 2. Practice reading ECGs every day for a few weeks before you…

1
Antiarrhythmics: Lidocaine & Amiodarone 6:46

19d ago6:46

6:46

In the Adult Cardiac Arrest algorithm, we should administer an antiarrhythmic medication to patients in V-Fib or pulseless ventricular tachycardia approximately two minutes after the first dose of epinephrine. The two first-line ACLS antiarrhythmics that are generally used are Amiodarone and Lidocaine. Review of Lidocaine dosing and administration …

1
Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA) Review 4:57

22d ago4:57

4:57

The tongue is the most common airway obstruction in an unconscious patient. For patients with a decreased level of consciousness that can't control their airway, yet have an intact gag reflex, the nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) should be used as an alternative to the oropharyngeal airway (OPA). Examples of when a NPA should be considered. Contraindica…

1
Tamponade as an H&T Reversible Cause of Cardiac Arrest 5:23

23d ago5:23

5:23

When blood, or other fluids, accumulate in the sac around the heart it’s called a cardiac tamponade or pericardial tamponade. The effects of tamponade on the electrical system and chambers of the heart. Cardiac tamponade can be acute or chronic and caused by traumatic, iatrogenic, or pathological etiologies. Common traumatic events, medical procedu…

1
The Team Leader Role and Use of Quick Reference Cards 5:04

24d ago5:04

5:04

Two things have changed in recent years to aid students that don't use ACLS in their daily practice. The role of the team leader; and The ability to use your quick reference cards. The team leader is responsible for assigning tasks and overall direction of the team but can & should ask team members for help. Using closed-loop communication to ensur…

1
Why Early CPR & Defibrillation is Important 5:33

29d ago5:33

5:33

Two factors to cardiac arrest survivability that have been clearly shown to make the biggest difference is continuous, high-quality CPR and early defibrillation. The most common dysrhythmia present during the first few minutes of cardiac arrest is ventricular fibrillation. The chance of successful defibrillation decreases every minute that passes. …

1
Quantitative Waveform Capnography in ACLS 5:02

26d ago5:02

5:02

Quantitative waveform capnography is used in ACLS as a way to confirm good CPR and placement of an endotracheal tube; identify return of spontaneous circulation; and during post-cardiac arrest care. We can use waveform capnography with, and without, an advanced airway in place. Monitoring end tidal CO2 during rescue breathing. Use of capnography to…

1
Vagal Maneuvers for Stable Tachycardia Patients 5:38

29d ago5:38

5:38

Patients with a narrow complex tachycardia with a rate over 150 BPM are in SVT. Unstable patients in SVT, or V-Tach with a pulse, should be cardioverted with a synchronized shock. Assessment & treatment of stable tachycardic patients. Commonly used vagal techniques. A less common technique to stimulate the vagus nerve is the dive reflex. Indication…

1
Guidance from ILCOR: Improving Cardiac Arrest Outcomes 33:44

1M ago33:44

33:44

Join us as we review and explore the key steps presented in the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) paper, “Ten Steps Toward Improving In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Quality of Care and Outcomes.” Our clinical guests dive into the steps and discuss the importance of each for clinicians striving to improve outcomes from cardiac arre…

1
Defibrillation & Synchronized Cardioversion Energy Settings 5:34

1M ago5:34

5:34

Remembering all the different energy setting needed for synchronized cardioversion and defibrillation used to be confusing for a lot of people. Defibrillators can be broken down into three basic categories: 1. Automated External Defibrillator (AED); 2. Biphasic defibrillators; and 3. Monophasic defibrillators. Use of an AED to rapidly deliver a sho…

1
Identification and Treatment of Unstable Bradycardia 5:19

1M ago5:19

5:19

Patients with a heart rate less than 60 are bradycardic. Some people can have a resting heart rate in the 40s without any compromise. For others, a heart rate of 50 or less could signify the need for immediate intervention and warrants additional assessment. Signs & symptoms that indicate a bradycardic patient is unstable. Monitoring oxygen saturat…

1
Post-Arrest Care & Targeted Temperature Management (TTM) 5:14

1M ago5:14

5:14

The goal of CPR is to keep the brain and vital organs perfused until return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) is achieved. Post-arrest care and recovery are the final two links in the chain of survival. Identification of ROSC during CPR. Initial patient management goals after identifying ROSC. The patient’s GCS/LOC should be evaluated to determine …

1
The Chain of Survival for Cardiac & Stroke Emergencies 5:05

1M ago5:05

5:05

The chain of survival for ACLS is the same as was learned in your BLS class. The beginning steps of the Cardiac Emergency and Stroke chain of survival. ACLS's timed goals for first medical contact to PCI for STEMI and door-to-needle for ischemic stroke. Characteristics of areas that have significantly better stroke and out-of-hospital cardiac arres…

1
Hypokalemia & Hyperkalemia as a H&T Reversible Cause 4:32

1M ago4:32

4:32

Heart muscle contraction and repolarization is dependent on Sodium, Calcium, Magnesium, and Potassium ions crossing cellular membranes. When a patient’s potassium levels get too low or too high, hypokalemia or hyperkalemia results respectively. Two things that may lead us to suspect hypo or hyperkalemia. Medical conditions & medications that can ca…

1
Time Goals for Assessment & Treatment of Stroke 4:59

1M ago4:59

4:59

When treating patients having an MI or stroke, more minutes equals more dead cells. Because the majority of strokes are the ischemic type, the treatment for stroke is similar to an MI; to reestablish perfusion to the ischemic tissues. Review the first four steps in the Stroke Chain of Survival. Time criteria for the administration of tPA or EVT of …

1
Medication Review: Adenosine 5:51

2M ago5:51

5:51

Adenosine is the first IV medication given to stable patients with sustained supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) refractory to vagal maneuvers. Symptoms indicating a stable vs unstable patient. Common causes of tachycardia. Cardiac effects of Adenosine. Indications for use in the ACLS Tachycardia algorithm. Considerations and contraindications. Aden…

1
Recognition of Second Degree Heart Blocks and Possible Interventions 7:21

2M ago7:21

7:21

To pass the written ACLS exam and mega code, students need to be able to identify basic ECG dysrhythmias, including the two types of second-degree heart block. One method of ECG rhythm identification is to ask a series of questions such as: What's the rate (<60, 60-100, 101-149, or >150); Is the rhythm regular or irregular; What's the shape, width,…

1
SaO2 and Oxygen Administration 4:42

2M ago4:42

4:42

When treating patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS), MONA is an acronym sometimes used to help us remember the initial interventions. The O in MONA is Oxygen. When we should administer oxygen to ACS patients. When O2 administration is unnecessary based on an accurate pulse ox. Monitoring patient's oxygen saturation (SaO2) using a pulse oximet…

1
Objective Measures of Good CPR 6:42

2M ago6:42

6:42

Along with early defibrillation, high quality CPR with minimal interruptions is one of the two factors that has been shown to improve cardiac arrest outcomes. How do we know if high quality, effective CPR is being performed? Objective measures of high-quality CPR include: Compression rate; Compression depth & recoil; ETCO2; and Chest Compression Fr…

1
Bradycardia Dosing for Atropine & Dopamine 5:57

2M ago5:57

5:57

When we should consider using the bradycardia algorithm. The signs & symptoms of unstable bradycardia. Atropine's dose and maximum. 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 dose of Dopamine. The use of Dopami…

1
AACN NTI24 Preview 10:11

3M ago10:11

10:11

Join us for a preview of ZOLL Medical's education sessions at the 2024 American Association of Critical-Care Nurses National Teaching Institute & Critical Care Exposition (AACN NTI) in Denver, CO. Our guest educators will give an overview of their sessions, focusing on advanced resuscitation techniques and innovations in critical care. Discover the…

1
Rapid Response Teams – Structure, Implementation, Impact on Outcomes 26:46

4M ago26:46

26:46

In this episode we delve into Rapid Response Teams (RRT) and explore their implementation, structure, and impact on outcomes. Our guest, Fiona Winterbottom, Clinical Nurse Specialist at Ochsner Health, shares with us the evolution of their program and discusses the details from her 2022 paper, A Patient Safety Solution: A Pre- Post Evaluation of a …

1
Exploring the evolving mix of BLS and ACLS nurses and their roles in in-hospital cardiac arrest response 22:58

8M ago22:58

22:58

Today’s in-hospital staffing includes a changing mix of BLS and ACLS nurses and programs for cardiac arrest response must adapt accordingly. In this episode, we explore the changing mix and delve into the experience of how one hospital is tailoring their training and response program to maximize strengths and build confidence. Plus, we learn about …

1
Hospital Cardiac Arrest: Response, Outcome, and Training Challenges 16:00

10M ago16:00

16:00

Nurse staffing in the post-pandemic environment has brought new challenges and exacerbated old ones. How these challenges affect in-hospital cardiac arrest response is multi-faceted. In this episode, we discuss how hospitals are overcoming them and ways to help maintain focus on response time and patient care. Special thanks to Tony Ringelstein and…

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