Best Early Defibrillation Podcasts (2025)

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Hypovolemia as an H&T Cause of Cardiac Arrest 4:04

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40m ago4:04

4:04

Review of hypovolemia as a reversible H&T cause of cardiac arrest including: causes, signs & symptoms, and treatment with crystalloid solutions or blood. When a patient loses excessive amounts of fluids, we say that they are in a state of hypovolemia. The most obvious cause of hypovolemia is from bleeding. Bleeding can be internal or external and c…

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CV-EMCrit Wee - Electrical Storm: Surviving the Storm Part I 44:53

9m ago44:53

44:53

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Medication Review: Morphine 4:53

4h ago4:53

4:53

The mechanism of action and safe administration of Morphine for patients with myocardial ischemia in ACLS’s Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) algorithm. MONA is the acronym sometimes used to help us remember the interventions to consider for patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome. Morphine's use in the Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) algorithm. Why Morphi…

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Maintaining a Chest Compression Fraction (CCF) Above 80% 5:36

5h ago5:36

5:36

Teamwork and communication tips to help ACLS providers limit interruptions to CPR chest compressions to less than 10 seconds to maintain a CCF of 80%. Even good CPR is far less efficient at circulating blood than a functioning heart. The indicators of high-quality CPR that were identified at the 2012 AHA CPR Quality Summit. Using real-time feedback…

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Medication Review: Epinephrine and Dopamine 6:26

1d ago6:26

6:26

A brief review of two commonly used ACLS medications: epinephrine & Dopamine. Their indications, doses, and considerations for safety is discussed. Epinephrine and Dopamine are adrenergic agonist used in several ACLS algorithms. The use of epinephrine for severe anaphylaxis and unstable bradycardia. Review epinephrine’s effects on blood vessels and…

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Providing High Quality Ventilations 5:57

5d ago5:57

5:57

Review of: rescue breathing; advantages of waveform capnography; and delivering artificial ventilations during CPR with and without an advanced airway. Providing rescue breathing to apneic patients with a palpable pulse. Normal end tidal CO2 for patients with a pulse. Identification of cardiac arrest and our immediate actions. Providing artificial …

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Hypothermia: A H&T Reversible Cause of Cardiac Arrest 4:11

5d ago4:11

4:11

Hypothermic patients aren't dead until they are warm and dead. When a patient’s core body temperature drops below 96.8° F (36° C), they are hypothermic. As the body’s temperature drops below 36° C, hypothermia may further be classified as moderate or severe. Modifying the ACLS Adult Cardiac Arrest algorithm for patients with severe hypothermia. Fol…

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EMCrit 1:1 Nursing 005 - Medical Cardiac Arrest 50:35

6d ago50:35

50:35

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Medication Review: Calcium Channel Blockers 4:19

6d ago4:19

4:19

The use of calcium channel blocker medications for tachycardias refractory to Adenosine and to lower the blood pressure of hypertensive stroke patients. Calcium is one of the ions that move across the cellular membrane during cardiac contraction and relaxation. The primary use of calcium channel blockers in ACLS. Use of calcium channel blockers for…

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Post-Arrest Care & Targeted Temperature Management (TTM) 5:16

7d ago5:16

5:16

Review the ACLS treatment goals and targeted temperature management (TTM) for post-arrest patients that have return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Post-arrest care and recovery are the final two links in the chain of survival. Identification of ROSC during CPR. Initial patient management goals after identifying ROSC. Indications for starting TT…

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Medication Review: Nitroglycerine 4:50

8d ago4:50

4:50

Review the indications, contraindications, and safe administration of nitroglycerine to Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) patients with ischemic chest pain. Nitroglycerine is vasodilator that affects peripheral blood vessels and coronary arteries. Assessment of vital signs prior to administering nitro. Indications for use of nitroglycerine. Nitroglycer…

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Atrial Fibrillation/Flutter with RVR 5:12

9d ago5:12

5:12

Identification of Atrial Fibrillation (A-Fib) & Atrial Flutter on the ECG and the treatment of unstable and stable SVT patients with A-Fib/Flutter. The ECG characteristics of A-Fib and A-Flutter. Recognition and treatment of unstable patients in A-Fib/Flutter with rapid ventricular response (RVR). Suggested energy settings for synchronized cardiove…

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EMCrit 408 - Behind the Scenes of an Infuriating Medical Malpractice Trial 54:55

11d ago54:55

54:55

See the ECG See the Shownotes

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Tablets & Toxins as a H&T Reversible Cause of Cardiac Arrest 4:37

12d ago4:37

4:37

Review of Tablets & Toxins as an ACLS H &T reversible causes of cardiac arrest with some specific, commonly encountered examples. As an ACLS provider you do not need to be familiar with all of the different signs of various types of poisoning. You should be able to obtain a history and know to order toxicology. The majority of toxins don’t have a s…

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Which ACLS Algorithm 8:52

13d ago8:52

8:52

The ACLS algorithms are designed to make it easier to remember the key interventions we should deliver, and the order in which they should be delivered, to provide the best evidence-based care possible. Generally speaking, if there’s a change in a patient’s condition, we should ensure we’re using the correct algorithm. Three key points to remember …

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Beta Blocker Use in ACLS 4:53

14d ago4:53

4:53

Review of when we should consider beta blocker use in ACLS's Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) & Tachycardia algorithms and when they're contraindicated. Beta blocking medications attach to Beta receptors to inhibit or “block” the effects of epinephrine (adrenaline)and norepinephrine in the body. The primary locations of Beta I, II, and III receptors. …

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Advanced Airways 7:32

15d ago7:32

7:32

A review of advanced airway use in ACLS’s Adult Cardiac Arrest algorithm including: advantages, types, insertion, and monitoring ETCO2. When we should consider insertion of an advanced airway for patients in a shockable vs non-shockable rhythm. In addition to an endotracheal tube (ETT), other ACLS advanced airways include the Laryngeal Mask Airway …

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Antiarrhythmic Use After ROSC 5:09

16d ago5:09

5:09

Our primary focus immediately following return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) is aimed at ensuring adequate perfusion of the patient’s vital organs and decreasing cerebral damage. Post-arrest goals for O2 saturation, ETCO2, and BP/MAP. Indications for use of an antiarrhythmic after ROSC. Determining which antiarrhythmic to use post cardiac arres…

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Hydrogen Ions as a H&T Reversible Cause of Cardiac Arrest 4:51

19d ago4:51

4:51

Hydrogen ions is on one of the Hs in ACLS's H&T reversible causes of cardiac arrest. When considering hydrogen ions as a cause, what we’re looking at is the patient’s pH, or acid/base balance, and conditions that affect it. The body's normal pH. Using patient history, ABGs, & labs to determine acidosis or alkalosis. Common conditions/causes that ma…

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Adult Cardiac Arrest Code Flow 8:33

20d ago8:33

8:33

BLS & ACLS's Adult Cardiac Arrest algorithm makes it easier to act as team leader during a code by following an If/Then methodology. Review of BLS steps for determining if rescue breathing or CPR is needed and use of an AED for patients in cardiac arrest. If the patient is in a non-shockable rhythm on the ECG such as PEA or asystole, we will go dow…

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Medication Review: Aspirin 4:31

24d ago4:31

4:31

Review of aspirin's mechanism of action, indications, contraindications, and administration for patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or stroke. Aspirin's mechanism of action & benefits for Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) patients. Contraindications and considerations for aspirin’s use. The dose and route of administration of aspirin for ACS pa…

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First & Third Degree AV Blocks 7:42

22d ago7:42

7:42

Review of lead II ECG characteristics, rules to identify first and third degree heart blocks, and treatment following the ACLS Bradycardia algorithm. To pass ACLS, you will need to be able to identify common rhythms on a monitor during your mega code and ECG strips on your written exam. Review of normal ECG morphology in lead II. Characteristics of…

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Antiarrhythmics: Lidocaine & Amiodarone 6:45

23d ago6:45

6:45

Review of antiarrhythmic medications Amiodarone & Lidocaine for use in ACLS's Adult Cardiac Arrest, Post Arrest, and Tachycardia algorithms. The two first-line ACLS antiarrhythmics that are generally used. Lidocaine dosing and administration to patients in persistent V-Fib or pulseless V-Tach. Amiodarone dosing and administration to patients in per…

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EMCrit 407 - Massive Hemorrhage Protocol 2.0 with Petro 56:39

25d ago56:39

56:39

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Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA) Review 5:14

26d ago5:14

5:14

Review the indications, contraindications, sizing, and insertion of the nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) to maintain the airway of patients with a gag reflex. The tongue is the most common airway obstruction in an unconscious patient. When the nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) should be used as an alternative to the oropharyngeal airway (OPA). Examples of whe…

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Tamponade: An H&T Reversible Cause of Cardiac Arrest 5:19

27d ago5:19

5:19

The causes, physiology, signs & symptoms, and treatment of cardiac tamponade as an ACLS H&T reversible cause of cardiac arrest. When blood, or other fluids, accumulate in the sac around the heart it’s called a cardiac tamponade or pericardial tamponade. The effects of tamponade on the electrical system and chambers of the heart. Cardiac tamponade c…

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The Team Leader Role and Use of Quick Reference Cards 5:09

28d ago5:09

5:09

The role of team leader, code team responsibilities, and the use of reference cards during your ACLS class megacode and written exam. Two things have changed in recent years to aid students that don't use ACLS in their daily practice. 1. The role of the team leader; and 2. The ability to use your quick reference cards. The team leader’s roles and r…

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Why Early CPR & Defibrillation is Important 5:22

1M ago5:22

5:22

Early CPR and defibrillation improve cardiac arrest outcomes. Here's why CPR is important and five ACLS tips to reduce CPR interruptions. Two factors to cardiac arrest survivability that have been clearly shown to make the biggest difference is continuous, high-quality CPR and early defibrillation. The most common dysrhythmia present during the fir…

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Quantitative Waveform Capnography Use in ACLS 5:03

1M ago5:03

5:03

Four uses for Quantitative waveform capnography in ACLS. Waveform capnography use with, and without, an advanced airway in place. Monitoring end tidal CO2 during rescue breathing. Use of capnography to objectively measure good CPR. Capnography is a preferred method of confirming endotracheal tube (ETT) placement over x-ray during a code. During CPR…

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Vagal Maneuvers 5:49

1M ago5:49

5:49

Patients with a narrow complex tachycardia with a rate over 150 BPM are in SVT. Unstable patients in SVT, or V-Tach with a pulse, should be cardioverted with a synchronized shock. Assessment & treatment of stable tachycardic patients. Commonly used vagal techniques. A less common technique to stimulate the vagus nerve. Indications and use of Adenos…

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Defibrillation & Synchronized Cardioversion Energy Settings 5:25

1M ago5:25

5:25

Remembering all the different energy setting needed for synchronized cardioversion and defibrillation used to be confusing for a lot of people. Defibrillators can be broken down into three basic categories: 1. Automated External Defibrillator (AED); 2. Biphasic defibrillators; and 3. Monophasic defibrillators. Use of an AED to rapidly deliver a sho…

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Identification and Treatment of Unstable Bradycardia 5:36

1M ago5:36

5:36

Patients with a heart rate less than 60 are bradycardic. Some people can have a resting heart rate in the 40s without any compromise. For others, a heart rate of 50 or less could signify the need for immediate intervention and warrants additional assessment. Signs & symptoms that indicate a bradycardic patient is unstable. Monitoring oxygen saturat…

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EMCrit 1:1 Nursing 004 - Listener Q&A 57:51

1M ago57:51

57:51

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Post-Arrest Care & Targeted Temperature Management (TTM) 5:05

1M ago5:05

5:05

The goal of CPR is to keep the brain and vital organs perfused until return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) is achieved. Post-arrest care and recovery are the final two links in the chain of survival. Identification of ROSC during CPR. Initial patient management goals after identifying ROSC. The patient’s GCS/LOC should be evaluated to determine …

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The Chain of Survival for Cardiac & Stroke Emergencies 4:55

1M ago4:55

4:55

The chain of survival for ACLS is the same as was learned in your BLS class. The beginning steps of the Cardiac Emergency and Stroke chain of survival. ACLS's timed goals for first medical contact to PCI for STEMI and door-to-needle for ischemic stroke. Characteristics of areas that have significantly better stroke and out-of-hospital cardiac arres…