Advanced Life Support

Advanced Life Support (ALS) is a set of life-saving protocols and skills that extend Basic Life Support to further support the circulation and provide an open airway and adequate ventilation (breathing).

Overview

Advanced Life Support is generally provided by medical professionals in a pre-hospital setting (such as in the ambulance) or in an in-hospital setting. In addition to basic life support, ALS includes the use of intravenous access, electrocardiogram interpretation, and the use of medications.

Techniques

ALS techniques include those of Basic Life Support (BLS) as well as additional skills such as electrocardiogram interpretation, intravenous access, adequate ventilation, and the administration of medications.

Training

Training in ALS is provided by many health bodies and is required to be updated every few years, depending on the provider. The training involves theoretical and practical assessments, including a written examination and a simulated emergency situation.

See also

• Basic Life Support
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• Emergency medical services
• Emergency medicine

References

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