The American Heart Association Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) course trains healthcare providers with clinical responsibilities in pediatric critical care. PALS places emphasis on the most recent evidence based resuscitation science for cardiac and respiratory emergencies existing in infants and children. This program utilizes assessment surveys and megacode scenarios to practice team resuscitation. PALS is highly recommended for new graduates that plan on working in pediatric critical care areas.
The American Heart Association’s Pediatric Advanced Life Support course is catered to healthcare providers who provide direct care or participate in the resuscitation of the pediatric patient. Through didactic lecture and hands on practice in simulated scenarios, providers will learn to recognize and treat children suffering from respiratory and cardiovascular emergencies.
In the PALS curriculum, basic life support for patient survival is emphasized including the integration of effective basic life support with advanced life support interventions.
The culmination of effective basic life support with pediatric advanced life support interventions and the importance of effective team interaction and communication during resuscitation is essential during the course.
PALS is based on simulated clinical scenarios that encourage active, hands-on participation through learning stations where students will practice essential skills individually, as part of a team, and as team leader.
Realistic simulations reinforce the following key concepts:
- Proficiency in basic life support care;
- Recognizing and initiating early management of arrest conditions;
- Managing cardiac arrest;
- Identifying and treating respiratory compromise;
- Recognizing other life-threatening clinical situations and providing initial care;
- PALS algorithms;
- Effective resuscitation team dynamics.
All participants must have a current Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers certification to participate in this course.
Participants may complete the Online BLS for Healthcare Providers course prior to class and be tested on BLS skills in class to receive a new BLS certification card that matches their PALS certification expiration date.
Course Pre-requisite
- Current American Heart Association BLS certification for Healthcare Providers Card
- Current American Heart Association PALS for Healthcare Providers Card (For PALS recertification only)
- Students must pass the online PALS Precourse Self-Assessment with a score of 70% or higher
Required Course Materials
- American Heart Association PALS Provider Manual, or
- AHA eBook PALS Provider Manual, an electronic equivalent of the printed version
The American Heart Association requires all Providers to have a PALS Provider Manual for entry into the course. The PALS Provider Manual may be purchase at checkout and will be provided on the day of the course. Please be aware when ordering eBooks online that access codes are usually emailed 24 hours after order placement.
Examination
Proficient demonstration of skills and a score of 84% or higher on the written examination are required for certification. Students that do not achieve either of these will be remediated and allowed an additional attempt to test.
Certification
Successful completion of this course results in an American Heart Association Pediatric Advanced Life Support Provider certification, which is valid for 2 years from the date of the course.