Advanced Cardiac Life Support

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) training is available at Victoria First Aid, with the curriculum created in conjunction with the Heart ad Stroke Foundation of Canada. A trainee who completes ACLS training with us will receive an ACLS training certificate and identification card, valid for three years before expiration. You may sign up for this advanced training program below, or get more information by reading further.

What is ACLS training?

ACLS stands for Advanced Cardiac Life Support, a concept that was created by different cardiac health organizations in the late 1970s during an international conference. Victoria First Aid and the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation worked together to create the ACLS program offered by the latter to Canadians living in Victoria.

The ACLS program is targeted to healthcare professionals and people with Basic Life Support training credentials. It is an advanced program that focuses on skills and concepts typically used in organized medical environments, such as hospitals or ambulances. We introduce concepts such as the “crash cart” and cardiac drugs to our trainees, to equip them in managing advanced cardiac emergencies.

Common course topics

  • 2010 Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care
  • BLS skills – compression, ventilation, and defibrillation
  • Recognition of a cardiac and/or respiratory emergency
  • Introduction to the crash cart – equipment and medication
  • Post-cardiac arrest care of a victim
  • Management of cardiac emergencies – acute coronary syndrome, stroke
  • Choking management – adults, infants, and older and younger children

How long is ACLS training?

The ACLS program runs for 12 hours, spread out over two days. Refresher classes for ACLS are also available, running anywhere between 5 and 6.5 hours.

How do I pass the ACLS program?

A student passes training by completing it with complete attendance and getting a passing score on the post-training test, which consists of written and a skills portions.

What kind of credentials does Victoria First Aid award?

Upon completing the training program, Victoria First Aid awards students with an ACLS training certificate. A temporary credential is given to the student once he or she passes the post-training tests; the permanent credential will be mailed to him/her.

If you need more information, you can contact us via e-mail, telephone call, or a visit in person. Our office hours are from 8 AM to 5 PM. If you call or visit during that time, our staff will be happy to assist you with whatever you need. Any e-mails or application forms completed below will be processed during business hours as well, so expect a reply or confirmation from us during that time.

Getting started on training: Cardiac arrest

When a person gets a “heart attack” that means he or she is experiencing cardiac arrest, a condition when the heart stops beating completely or isn’t beating adequately. A heart attack can happen suddenly, or the victim can start experience symptoms as early as a few hours before the attack to several months. Chest discomfort and difficulty breathing are common symptoms of a heart problem.

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