Advanced Life Support
Advanced Life Support
Advanced Life Support (pronunciation: ad-vanced life suh-port, abbreviated as 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).
Etymology
The term "Advanced Life Support" is derived from the English language. "Advanced" refers to being at a higher level in training or knowledge, "Life" refers to the existence of an individual human being or animal, and "Support" refers to giving assistance or encouragement.
Definition
Advanced Life Support involves knowledge and skills relating to Endotracheal Intubation, Intravenous Therapy, use of Defibrillation equipment, and administration of life-saving medications. It is generally provided by paramedical personnel, such as Paramedics and Nurses, and medical personnel, such as Physicians and Respiratory Therapists.
Related Terms
- Basic Life Support: The level of medical care which is used for victims of life-threatening illnesses or injuries until they can be given full medical care at a hospital.
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: An emergency procedure that combines chest compressions often with artificial ventilation in an effort to manually preserve intact brain function until further measures are taken to restore spontaneous blood circulation and breathing in a person who is in cardiac arrest.
- Defibrillation: A treatment for life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias and ventricular fibrillation.
- Endotracheal Intubation: A medical procedure in which a tube is placed into the windpipe (trachea) through the mouth or nose.
- Intravenous Therapy: The infusion of liquid substances directly into a vein to treat dehydration, deliver medications, and for blood transfusions.
- Paramedics: Healthcare professionals who respond to medical emergencies outside of the hospital.
- Physicians: Medical professionals who practice medicine, which involves promoting, maintaining, or restoring health through the study, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of disease, injury, and other physical and mental impairments.
- Respiratory Therapists: Specialized healthcare practitioners trained in critical care and cardio-pulmonary medicine in order to work therapeutically with people suffering from acute critical conditions, cardiac and pulmonary disease.
- Nurses: Healthcare professionals focused on the care of individuals, families, and communities so they may attain, maintain, or recover optimal health and quality of life.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Advanced Life Support
- Wikipedia's article - Advanced Life Support
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