ACLS for Pharmacists

ACLS for Pharmacists: The Pharmacist on the Code Team

In many hospitals a pharmacist attends every cardiac arrest, preparing drugs, checking doses and tracking timings. For those pharmacists, an ACLS course makes them a full member of the team rather than a supplier standing at the edge.

In short

Critical care, emergency and code-team pharmacists benefit from ACLS and are often required to hold it. Their core role in an arrest is fast, safe drug preparation and dose checking, within the team structure ACLS teaches.

The pharmacist’s role in an arrest

  • Preparing and labelling arrest drugs in advance of the team leader’s request.
  • Checking doses, including weight-based infusions after ROSC.
  • Tracking timing of adrenaline doses with the recorder.
  • Advising on drug-related reversible causes — toxins are one of the T’s.

The drugs

ACLS drugs covers adrenaline, amiodarone, lidocaine, atropine, adenosine and the infusions used in bradycardia and post-arrest care.

Working in the team

Closed-loop communication matters especially for drugs: the leader orders, the pharmacist repeats the drug and dose, and confirms when given. See the Megacode guide for how team roles are practised.

Is it required?

Some UAE hospitals require ACLS for critical care and emergency pharmacists; others require BLS for all pharmacists. Ask your pharmacy director.

Preparation before a code

Many hospitals ask pharmacists to maintain crash cart drug boxes, check expiry dates and standardise concentrations. Pre-filled syringes and clear labelling make drug delivery during an arrest faster and safer, and are worth reviewing with your team after completing ACLS.

After ROSC

Infusions after return of circulation are where calculation errors happen; a pharmacist double-check is valuable.

Other life support and first aid courses: BLS Course · PALS Course · First Aid Course · Training calendar

Frequently asked questions

Do pharmacists need ACLS?

Critical care and code-team pharmacists are often required to; other pharmacists usually need BLS.

What does a pharmacist do during a code?

Prepares and checks drugs, tracks dose timings and advises on drug-related causes.

Can pharmacists take the full ACLS course?

Yes, and they complete the same tests as other providers.

Which ACLS drugs matter most?

Adrenaline, amiodarone, lidocaine, atropine and adenosine, plus post-arrest infusions.

Can you train a hospital pharmacy team?

Yes, on site or at our centre.

Do pharmacists lead the Megacode?

Every candidate on the course leads a Megacode, including pharmacists.

Which ACLS format suits pharmacists?

HeartCode ACLS suits most pharmacists because the online part fits around the dispensary, followed by a skills session. Pharmacists new to resuscitation often prefer classroom ACLS for the extra practice with the team roles.

Book an AHA ACLS course in Abu Dhabi

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

Sources and further reading

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.