Covers all content needed for initial or renewal certification and is consistent with the most current ILCOR/AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC.

FAQs

Background Information
Customer Information
Course Information
Continuing Education
Course Administration

Background Information

What does "eACLS™" stand for?
"Electronic" Advanced Cardiac Life Support.

Who is the target audience for eACLS™?
All medical professionals who are required to be credentialed in advanced cardiac life support.

How long will it take someone to complete the eACLS™ course?
It will take approximately 6.5 hours to complete the cognitive portion of the online course. In comparison, it takes 13 hours to complete a traditional classroom-based course.

Can the eACLS™ course be completed in a classroom?
The eACLS™ course can be completed as part of a traditional classroom-based course, similar to those offered by other national organizations.

Do I need to complete an on-site practical skills examination?
No, if you are a practicing health care professional, other than a paramedic, that regularly performs resuscitation and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) procedures as part of your employment, then no practical skills check is required. Simply print the eACLS™ Skills Verification Form and have your hospital or clinical supervisor complete the form verifying your clinical skills training and current skills competence.

If you are a paramedic, if you do not meet the criteria detailed above, or if you are otherwise unable to complete the Skills Verification Form, you can opt to participate in a practical skills examination at an approved eACLS™ Educational Center.

If I do have to complete a practical skills check, what’s involved?
First, locate an eACLS™ Educational Center near you. The entire exam takes proximately 30–45 minutes to complete as you rotate through the following required skill stations:

• CPR and AED (One- and two-person CPR with an AED)
• Airway and Ventilation Management (BVM, ET, Combitube, and LMA use)
• ECG Arrhythmia Recognition and Treatment Modalities (Sixteen ECGs and patient presentations)
• Cardiac Arrest Management (MegaCode)

After successful completion of the skill stations, an official wallet-sized ACEP eACLS™ course completion card that is accepted nationwide will be issued.

Is there a charge for skills examinations?
eACLS™ Educational Centers operate independently and may charge a separate fee for skills examinations. Click here to locate and contact an eACLS™ Educational Center in your area.

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Customer Information

How can I preview the eACLS™ course?
To preview the course for free, click here.

How long is an eACLS™ access code valid?
Users have 60-days to complete the eACLS™ course from the date he/she types in the access code to begin the course. The user also has the ability to review his/her completed course for up to one year.

What does an official eACLS™ Course Completion Card look like?
To view the official course completion card, click here

How long is the eACLS™ Course Completion Card valid?
The eACLS™ Course Completion Card is valid for a period of two years.

Can a lost or damaged eACLS™ Course Completion Card be replaced?
Provided proof of course completion is documented, a user's lost or damaged card can be replaced for $2.00. Sources of documentation may include the institution that issued the original course completion card and/or the eACLS™ user database.

How long are eACLS™ course records maintained?
User records are maintained for 7 years.

What is the return policy for eACLS™ access codes?
If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, return it within 30 days of receipt for a full refund.

Is volume discount pricing available for the eACLS™ course?
Yes, significant volume discounts are available. A number of flexible purchase options are also available. Contact a Jones & Bartlett sales specialist at 1-800-832-0034 to learn more.

We are pleased to offer the following annual volume discounts:

1 user	$129.95
2-9 users	$109.95
10-24 users	$103.00
25-49 users	$93.00
50-99 users	$82.00
100-199 users	$72.00
200-499 users	$61.00
500+ users	$51.00

For pricing on quantities greater than 500, please contact Jones and Bartlett Publishers at 1-800-832-0034.

Who do I speak with if I took the eACLS™ course through an online distributor and have questions?
NurseTesting.com and Kaplan Continuing Education are online distributors of the eACLS™ course. If you originally went to their websites and purchased this course, please contact them with all questions about registration, testing, or payment/refund.

Nurse Testing can be reached at:
www.nursetesting.com
or call 1-800-809-TEST (8378)

Kaplan Continuing Education can be reached at:
http://www.kaplansolutions.com/verticals/ems-training
or call 1-800-671-9411

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Course Information

What case studies are used in the eACLS™ course?

• Acute Coronary Syndromes
• Asystole
• Automated External Defibrillation
• Bradycardia
• Pulseless Electrical Activity
• Respiratory Arrest
• Stroke
• Tachycardia (narrow and wide complex)
• Ventricular Fibrillation

What are the eACLS™ program learning objectives?
The following learning objectives exist for the ten eACLS™ case-studies:

Upon completion of the Acute Coronary Syndromes section, a course user should be able to:

1. Describe the Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACS) continuum.
2. Identify the three 12-lead ECG classifications that are used to determine the treatment of ACS patients.
3. Select the appropriate treatment modality for patients with ACS, including the management of chest pain and the use of fibrinolytic reperfusion therapy.

Upon completion of the Asystole section, a course user should be able to:

1. Identify the causes of asystole.
2. Conduct a systematic survey to identify a patient in asystole.
3. Describe airway management techniques used to effectively treat hypoventilation and hypoxemia related to asystole.
4. Select the appropriate treatment modalities (pharmacological and electrical) to manage a patient in asystole.
5. Discuss the indications for terminating resuscitation efforts.

Upon completion of the Automated External Defibrillation section, a course user should be able to:

1. Conduct a systematic assessment of a patient to identify cardiopulmonary arrest.
2. Understand the importance of providing early defibrillation to patients in cardiac arrest.
3. Demonstrate the proper use of an automated external defibrillator (AED).
4. Demonstrate the proper sequence of managing a patient in cardiopulmonary arrest with the AED, including the integration of CPR.

Upon completion of the Bradycardia section, a course user should be able to:

1. Distinguish between "relative" and "absolute" bradycardia.
2. Describe the signs and symptoms of symptomatic bradycardia.
3. Conduct a systematic survey to identify a patient in symptomatic bradycardia.
4. Select the appropriate treatment modalities (pharmacological and electrical) to effectively manage a patient with symptomatic bradycardia.
5. Indicate when, why, and how transcutaneous pacing (TCP) should be used to treat symptomatic bradycardia.
6. Discuss the significance of bradycardia in an AMI situation.

Upon completion of the Narrow Complex Tachycardia section, a course user should be able to:

1. Conduct a systematic assessment of a patient with a narrow complex tachycardia to determine the hemodynamic status.
2. Distinguish between stable and unstable narrow complex tachycardia.
3. Describe the initial management for both stable and unstable patients with narrow complex tachycardia.
4. Ascertain the underlying rhythm associated with the narrow complex tachycardia.
5. Select the appropriate treatment modalities (pharmacological and electrical) to manage the patient with a narrow complex tachycardia.
6. Describe how and when to perform synchronized cardioversion.

Upon completion of the Pulseless Electrical Activity (PEA) section, a course user should be able to:

1. Identify the causes of PEA.
2. Conduct a systematic survey to identify a patient in PEA.
3. Differentiate among the signs and symptoms of hypovolemia, pericardial tamponade, and tension pneumothorax.
4. Describe airway management techniques used to effectively treat hypoventilation and hypoxemia related to PEA.
5. Select the appropriate treatment modalities to manage a patient in PEA.

Upon completion of the Respiratory Arrest section, a course user should be able to:

1. Conduct a systematic assessment of a patient to identify respiratory arrest.
2. Understand the importance of early intervention for patients in respiratory arrest.
3. Demonstrate the ability to utilize basic and advanced airway devices, including BVM, endotracheal intubation, Combitube, and LMA to manage a patient in respiratory arrest.
4. Demonstrate the proper sequence of managing a patient in respiratory arrest as a result of foreign body airway obstruction.

Upon completion of the Stroke section, a course user should be able to:

1. Identify the warning signs of stroke.
2. Describe the importance of quick action in the early treatment of a possible stroke patient.
3. Describe the 7 "Ds" of stroke survival and recovery in initial stroke patient care.
4. Discuss the risks, benefits, exclusions, and guidelines for the use of fibrinolytic therapy for a stroke patient.

Upon completion of the Wide Complex Tachycardia section, a course user should be able to:

1. Conduct a systematic assessment of a patient with a wide complex tachycardia to determine their hemodynamic status.
2. Distinguish between stable and unstable wide complex tachycardia.
3. Recognize the difference between monomorphic and polymorphic wide complex tachycardia.
4. Describe the initial management for both stable and unstable patients with wide complex tachycardias.
5. Select the appropriate treatment modalities (pharmacological and electrical) to manage the patient with a wide complex tachycardia.
6. Demonstrate the correct procedure for performing synchronized cardioversion.

Upon completion of the Ventricular Fibrillation section, a course user should be able to:

1. Conduct a systematic assessment of a patient in cardiac arrest.
2. Recognize the need to rapidly identify a patient in ventricular fibrillation.
3. Describe the initial management for a patient in ventricular fibrillation.
4. Describe why the treatment for a patient with pulseless ventricular tachycardia is the same as a patient with ventricular fibrillation.
5. Select the appropriate treatment modalities (pharmacological and electrical) to manage the patient with ventricular fibrillation.
6. Demonstrate the correct procedure for performing defibrillation.

What is the passing score and format of the final written exam for the eACLS™ course?
The final written exam is comprised of 50 multiple-choice case-based questions (5 per case study). The questions are based on the objectives of the case studies and include ECGs when appropriate. Each question is worth 2 points. Once the exam is completed, it is graded instantly, and any incorrect answers are remediated. Users must score at least 84% to pass the course. If a user fails the first exam, he or she is given up to two additional opportunities to pass a different exam after an opportunity for further remediation through the eACLS™ "Resources" section and/or instructor. If the user fails the additional exams, he/she will have to repeat the course (and pay for the course again).

Are there any ancillary materials that could be used in conjunction with eACLS™?
Yes. There are several ancillaries that would be excellent companions to the eACLS™ course. The first is the eACLS™ Study Guide. This is the required text for the initial eACLS™ course.
To view this product, click here.

If you are looking for a detailed review of arrhythmias, click here.

If you are seeking more advanced information on 12-lead ECGs, click here.

If you are looking for a specialized product that aids the personnel who assist ACLS providers during a code, click here.

If you are looking for the eACLS™ Instructor's ToolKit CD-ROM to conduct initial eACLS™ courses, click here.

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Continuing Education

Can I obtain continuing education credits for the eACLS™ course?
Yes. Following successful completion of the cognitive portion of the eACLS™ course, continuing education credits are immediately awarded as follows:

• 6 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ and 6 hours of ACEP Category I CME credit for physicians
• 6.8 clinical CEH for nurses provided by the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA).
• 6 Advanced Continuing Education Hours (CEH) provided by the Continuing Education Coordinating Board for Emergency Medical Services (CECBEMS) for ALS pre-hospital providers.

The medical content for eACLS™ is provided by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). It is designed to meet the international ECC guidelines for advanced cardiac life support (ACLS).

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint sponsorship of the American College of Emergency Physicians and Jones & Bartlett Publishing. The American College of Emergency Physicians is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The American College of Emergency Physicians designates this enduring material for a maximum of 6 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Approved by the American College of Emergency Physicians for 6 hour(s) of ACEP Category I credit.

Date of original release: March 31, 2008

Expiration date: April 1, 2011

Date of most recent update: June 1, 2011

Download a copy of the Continuing Education Award.

State Approvals for Pre-hospital ALS Providers

eACLS™ has been approved by CECBEMS. The NREMT will accept continuing education and verification of ACLS in programs that are CECBEMS or state EMS office approved. The American College of Emergency Physicians has contacted all 50 states regarding state approval for the eACLS™ course. Most states have indicated that CECBEMS approval is sufficient. If you have questions regarding your specific state, please contact your Public Safety Sales Specialist. 
 

Conflict of Interest

Individuals in control of content are: Larry Newell, planner and manager, Jones & Bartlett Learning; Tom Werelinich, planner, American College of Emergency Physicians; Dina Gonzales, planner & manager, American College of Emergency Physicians.

In accordance with ACCME Standards, all individuals in control of content are required to disclose to participants in this CME activity any real or apparent conflicts of interest related to the material they contributed. Tom Werelinich reports ownership interest in UnitedHealth Group, Johnson & Johnson, and Bristol Myers Squibb Co. All other individuals in control of content reported no conflicts of interest.

There was no commercial support for this activity.

Accredited Provider:
American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP)
1125 Executive Circle
Irving, TX 75038-2522
972-550-0911 or 800-798-1822
customerservice@acep.org

Continuing Education Certification Board for Emergency Medical Services (CECBEMS)
12200 Ford Rd Ste 478
Dallas, TX 75234
972-247-4442
lsibley@cecbems.com

Emergency Nurses Association
915 Lee Street
Des Plaines, IL 60016-6569
847-460-4000
www.ena.org
 

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Course Administration

How can I become an Education Center for eACLS™?
To become an Education Center, an Education Center Agreement must be completed. All ACLS Coordinators or Medical Directors with national organizations such as AHA or ASHI will be automatically grandfathered into eACLS™. If you are interested in becoming an eACLS™ Education Center or wish to learn more about the administrative guidelines for this program click here.

What are the qualifications for becoming an eACLS™ Course Coordinator?
To be an eACLS™ Course Coordinator, an individual must meet the following prerequisites/qualifications:

• Be a physician (MD or DO), registered nurse, nurse practitioner, advanced practice nurse, physician assistant, or paramedic with a strong background in advanced cardiac life support, and a responsibility to coordinate ACLS education/training at your institution.
• Have documented experience in conducting/coordinating advanced cardiac life support training for hospital and prehospital personnel.
• Have an understanding and a working knowledge of the eACLS™ course materials and policies and procedures.
• Complete any required future updates for eACLS™.

A Course Coordinator's status is valid for two years. To renew this status, the individual must be involved with at least one course during this period. Additional information about course coordinator, instructor, and medical director responsibilities can be found in the eACLS™ Administrative Guidelines and Educational Center Agreement. Click here to view these documents.

Is a Medical Director needed for eACLS™?
Yes, a physician is required to oversee this program. All eACLS™ Education Centers must appoint a currently licensed physician to provide medical oversight for the eACLS™ program. The physician must be capable of and is solely responsible for providing readily verified physician-directed standing orders supporting local protocol variance from eACLS™. The Course Coordinator may serve as the Course Coordinator and Medical Director, should they meet the necessary qualifications.

Who can teach the eACLS™ course?
The didactic portion of the course does not require an instructor for the renewal course. All of the content normally covered through instructor lectures in a traditional ACLS renewal course is covered via the eACLS™ online course. The only "instructors" needed would be for the eACLS™ skills stations, which must be completed at an eACLS™ Education Center.

For traditional classroom-based initial courses, instructors must be able to present all of the content covered by the online course. All instructors are selected and appointed by the eACLS™ Course Coordinator, and must have adequate knowledge, presenter skills, and be capable of evaluating and verifying course user skills competence.

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