ABSTRACT

CPR is classifi ed as basic life support (BLS), advanced life support (ALS) and post resuscitation support. BLS consists of provision of a patent upper airway, artifi cial ventilation and circulation of blood by closed chest cardiac compressions. ALS includes use of specialized equipment to maintain the airway, early defi brillation and pharmacologic therapy. In August 2000, the American Heart Association and the European Resuscitation Council published the “Guidelines 2000 for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care. An International Consensus an Science” which include a section on advanced life support (ALS). In this article, the details of the revised guidelines for ALS are reviewed.