Mastering ACLS

This book is an excellent introduction and refresher for Advanced Cardiac Life Support guidelines. Not only that, it also gives many helpful descriptions and illustrations for techniques used in the care of a broad range of patients. For example, it gives an exhaustive review of IV placement, including the pros and cons of different locations. It reviews specifics of airway management and illustrates different devices available (eg, ET tube, laryngeal mask airway, bag mask valve device). It thoroughly reviews ACLS drugs and cardiac drugs in a high-yield manner. While its intended audience is RNs (for example, mixing instructions for drugs are plentiful), as an MD I found it quite handy, and ACLS students of any stripe should find it useful. There are a few weaknesses. While the end-of-chapter question banks are good preparation for the ACLS exam, many questions have equivocal stems or answers. Therefore they could use more rigourous review for accuracy and clarity. Also, the text and charts occasionally have misspellings which detracts from the otherwise professional appearance and tone of the book. I read Mastering ACLS in a matter of four hours, skipping the more mundane or already known sections. I am happy to say that I did well during the ACLS course I took the next day. My retention of critical material was unquestionably reinforced by this fine review. I am sure its teaching points will improve the care of patients as well.