Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Courses

The Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) course is a specialised programme for healthcare professionals who may be required to manage cardiovascular emergencies. It provides the knowledge, practical skills, and team-based leadership techniques needed to respond effectively to cardiac and respiratory arrest in both pre-hospital and in-hospital settings.

Delivered in line with internationally recognised guidelines, the course combines structured learning with hands-on practice and scenario-based simulations. Participants develop confidence in applying advanced resuscitation techniques, emergency cardiovascular care strategies, and effective communication when working within a resuscitation team.

If you would like to discuss availability, group bookings, or on-site delivery, please contact us.

Modules

• Basic life support skills, including effective chest compressions, use of a bag-mask device, and use of an AED
• Recognition and early management of respiratory and cardiac arrest
• Recognition and early management of peri-arrest conditions, including symptomatic bradycardia
• Airway management
• Related pharmacology
• Management of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and stroke
• Effective communication as a member and leader of a resuscitation team
• Effective resuscitation team dynamics

Duration

ACLS Provider Course (2 days)
Approximately 10 to 12 hours in total, including skills practice and skills testing.

HeartCode ACLS (Blended Learning)
Online module completed in advance, followed by approximately 5 to 6 hours of classroom-based skills practice and skills testing.

You must have previously completed an ACLS course to be eligible to attend the Heartcode ACLS – previous certificate required.

Assessment

Participants must demonstrate competence across all learning stations and successfully pass:

• CPR and AED skills test
• Bag-mask ventilation skills test
• Megacode test
• Written test

HeartCode ACLS pathway

• Part 1: Online learning and written exam. On successful completion, students receive a Part 1 certificate which must be presented to attend Part 2.
• Part 2: Hands-on skills session with an AHA ACLS Instructor, including skills testing.

Certification

Upon successful completion, participants receive an Irish Heart Foundation and American Heart Association digital certificate. Certification is valid for two years and is recognised internationally.

Course Details

Who it is for

Medicore’s ACLS course is recommended for healthcare personnel who may be required to respond to a cardiac arrest, including:

Consultants, Registrars, Senior House Officers, Interns, Medical Students, General Practitioners, Dentists, Clinical Nurse Managers, Nurses, Advanced Paramedics, Cardiac Technicians, Cardiac Rehabilitation Staff, Respiratory Therapists, Physiotherapists, and other healthcare personnel.

A current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is required before attending ACLS.

Requirements

• All students must hold a current Basic Life Support certificate issued within the last 12 months.
• Students must be physically able to perform chest compressions on a manikin while standing and kneeling.
• Heartcode ACLS course – proof of attending previous ACLS course required.

Method of Delivery

The course is delivered by Medicore Medical Services instructors, supported by clinical leadership, and includes theory, practical stations, role play, and video-based learning. The course is delivered in English.

A blended learning option is available through HeartCode ACLS Part 1, completed online prior to the in-person skills session.

Renewal

Certification is valid for two years. To remain certified, participants must complete an approved renewal course before the certificate expires.

Course Overview

The ACLS programme prepares healthcare providers to recognise and manage cardiovascular emergencies in high-pressure environments. Core areas include:

• Basic life support skills including bag-mask ventilation and AED use
• Recognition and management of cardiac arrest and peri-arrest conditions
• Airway management and emergency pharmacology
• Early management of stroke and acute coronary syndromes
• Team communication, leadership, and coordinated resuscitation performance

Training is delivered using interactive teaching, scenario-based simulations, and structured skills assessments to support real-world competence.

Why Choose Medicore

Certified and recognised training
Participants receive a two-year certificate accredited by the Irish Heart Foundation and the American Heart Association.

Expert-led instruction
Delivered by instructors with substantial experience in emergency and critical care environments.

Flexible learning options
Choose a fully instructor-led course or a blended format using HeartCode ACLS Part 1 online learning prior to hands-on skills practice and testing.

Comprehensive curriculum
A structured programme covering both knowledge and practical skills needed to manage cardiovascular emergencies effectively.

Multiple locations available on request
We can deliver the ACLS course at locations across Ireland where suitable facilities are available. If you have space to run an in-house course, contact us and we will advise on feasibility and requirements.