# Acls Protocol Assistant

> Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) protocol guide for emergency resuscitation. Provides step-by-step guidance for cardiac arrest, arrhythmia management, and post-cardiac arrest care.

- Skill: `open-medica/acls-protocol-assistant` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 4 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add open-medica/acls-protocol-assistant`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/open-medica/acls-protocol-assistant/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: open-medica (https://skillmd.com/u/open-medica)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/open-medica/acls-protocol-assistant

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# ACLS Protocol Assistant

## Overview

The ACLS Protocol Assistant is a clinical decision support tool that provides structured, step-by-step guidance through Advanced Cardiac Life Support algorithms. Built on the American Heart Association (AHA) 2020 Guidelines for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care, this skill assists clinicians during high-acuity resuscitation events where rapid, protocol-driven care saves lives.

## Clinical Context

Cardiac arrest remains the leading cause of death worldwide. Adherence to evidence-based ACLS algorithms has been shown to significantly improve survival-to-discharge and neurologically favorable outcomes. However, the stress and cognitive load of a resuscitation event can lead to protocol deviations, medication timing errors, and missed reversible causes.

This tool serves as a cognitive aid during resuscitation, similar to a code card but with dynamic, context-sensitive guidance.

## Algorithms Covered

- **Cardiac Arrest (VF/pVT):** Shockable rhythm pathway with defibrillation, epinephrine, and antiarrhythmic dosing
- **Cardiac Arrest (PEA/Asystole):** Non-shockable pathway with CPR emphasis and reversible cause identification
- **Bradycardia with Pulse:** Atropine, transcutaneous pacing, and vasopressor management
- **Tachycardia with Pulse:** Vagal maneuvers, adenosine, cardioversion, and antiarrhythmic selection
- **Post-Cardiac Arrest Care:** Targeted temperature management, hemodynamic optimization, and neuroprognostication

## Usage

Provide the detected cardiac rhythm, pulse status, heart rate, and hemodynamic stability. The tool returns the appropriate ACLS algorithm with drug dosages, energy levels, and clinical decision points.

## Safety Classification: CAUTION

This tool provides guidance for life-threatening emergencies. All clinical decisions must be made by qualified healthcare professionals. This tool does not replace ACLS certification, clinical training, or bedside judgment.

## References

- Panchal AR, et al. 2020 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC. *Circulation*. 2020;142(suppl 2):S366-S468.
- Merchant RM, et al. 2020 AHA Guidelines: Executive Summary. *Circulation*. 2020;142(suppl 2):S337-S357.
- Soar J, et al. 2021 ILCOR Advanced Life Support Consensus. *Resuscitation*. 2021;169:71-120.