ACLS for Sedation Teams
Sedation changes the risk profile of a clinic. When patients are sedated, airway problems, allergic reactions and arrhythmias become realistic, and licensing conditions often require someone on site with an ACLS course certificate.
In short
Clinics providing moderate or deep sedation commonly need at least one ACLS-certified clinician present, with BLS for the rest of the team. Check your licence conditions with DOH, DHA or MOHAP.
The clinician giving sedation, and often the dentist or surgeon, typically holds ACLS. Dental assistants and nurses hold BLS. Clinics sedating children may need PALS. The precise requirement is set by your licence and facility policy.
ACLS is most useful when the clinic’s own equipment — defibrillator, oxygen, suction, airway adjuncts and emergency drugs — is checked regularly and the team rehearses. We can run on-site training using your equipment.
Dentists who rarely manage emergencies often prefer classroom ACLS for the extra practice; experienced sedationists usually renew through HeartCode.
Short, regular drills in the surgery itself — who calls the ambulance, who brings the oxygen, who manages the airway — turn ACLS knowledge into a clinic that responds well. Pairing the course with on-site training makes this straightforward.
Keep a register of staff certificates and expiry dates; inspectors often ask for it.
Other life support and first aid courses: BLS Course · PALS Course · First Aid Course · Training calendar
Dentists providing or supervising sedation commonly need ACLS; check your licence conditions.
Usually the sedation provider needs ACLS and the rest of the team BLS.
Often, yes. Check your licensing conditions.
Yes, using your own emergency equipment.
Classroom for first-timers; HeartCode for renewals.
Your licensing authority specifies the requirement; typically oxygen, suction, airway adjuncts, a defibrillator and emergency drugs.
Your licensing conditions may set a minimum. Many clinics run a short drill every few months in addition to renewing ACLS and BLS every two years, so that roles and equipment stay familiar to the whole team.
Safety First Medical Services is an American Heart Association training centre on Al Reem Island. HeartCode blended ACLS, classroom ACLS and on-site group ACLS for hospitals and clinics, with a two-year AHA ACLS Provider eCard on completion.
See ACLS dates and register ACLS course overview Group booking enquiry
What we teach follows the awarding body and the UAE health authorities. For the definitive position on a course or licensing question, these are the places to check.
Last reviewed by the training team at Safety First Medical Services, an American Heart Association training centre at Addax Office Tower, Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi. Call +971 55 761 9841 or email training@safetyfirstmed.ae.