Pediatric Advanced Life Support

What is PALS?

PALS stands for Pediatric Advanced Life Support. It is a course that teaches healthcare providers how to recognize and treat life-threatening emergencies in children and infants. PALS includes the following skills:

• Recognition of life-threatening pediatric emergencies: This includes recognizing the signs and symptoms of cardiac arrest, respiratory distress, and other life-threatening pediatric emergencies.

• Chest compressions: Chest compressions are used to circulate blood and oxygen to the brain and other vital organs when the heart is not beating.

• Ventilation: Ventilation is the process of delivering air to the lungs. In PALS, ventilations are typically given using a bag-valve-mask device or an endotracheal tube.

• Pediatric Assessment: Learning how to assess and build differential diagnoses to determine possible interventions and procedures for stabilization utilizing pre-set algorithms.

• Use of an AED: An AED is an automated external defibrillator. It can be used to shock the heart back into a normal rhythm.

• Administration of medications: PALS providers may be trained to administer medications to treat pediatric cardiac arrhythmias and other life-threatening conditions.

• Teamwork and communication: PALS providers must be able to work effectively as part of a team and communicate effectively with each other.

Who should take a PALS course?

Anyone who provides care to children and infants who may experience a life-threatening emergency should take a PALS course. This includes healthcare providers such as nurses, doctors, paramedics, and respiratory therapists.

What is covered in a PALS course?

A PALS course typically covers the following topics:

• How to perform high-quality chest compressions and ventilations.

• Recognizing signs and symptoms of pediatric cardiac arrest, respiratory distress, and other life-threatening conditions: This includes learning to recognize the signs and symptoms of these emergencies so that you can act quickly.

• Techniques for chest compressions and ventilations: This includes learning how to give chest compressions and ventilations effectively.

• Technology Review: This includes learning how to use a defibrillator and how to recognize when it is appropriate to use one.

• Administration of medications: PALS providers will be trained to administer medications to treat pediatric cardiac arrhythmias and other life-threatening conditions.

• Team Dynamics: PALS providers must be able to work effectively as part of a team and communicate effectively with each other.

• Pediatric-specific topics: This includes topics such as the differences between pediatric and adult anatomy and physiology, the signs and symptoms of pediatric emergencies, and the medications that are used to treat pediatric emergencies.

How long does a PALS course take?

The length of a PALS course varies depending on the provider and the amount of learners. However, most courses take between 6 and 16 hours to complete.

• PALS

  • Initial Course - 16 Hours (2 day course)

  • Renewal Course - 8 Hours

  • Heartcode Hybrid Course - 6 Hours

Which Course is Right for you?

• Initial Course - The initial course is perfect for 1st-time certifiers but can be taken for recertification as well. The longer course time allows for more in-depth instructor/student instruction and guidance.

• Renewal Course - The renewal course is tailored for current PALS providers, who need to recertify their licenses. This course, just as with the initial course, allows for more instructor/learner guidance and instruction. 

• Heartcode Hybrid Course - The hybrid course was developed for initial and recertification. Allowing the learners to complete the majority of the program online(including the written exam requirement), and only requiring them to pass a practical skill evaluation in person.

  • Purchase of the AHA Heartcode online course is necessary for completion and skill assessment. The link is available on the store tab.

How much does a PALS course cost?

• PALS

  • Initial Course - $300

  • Renewal - $250

  • Skills Evaluation Only - $150

  • BLS Added  - $60

Is PALS certification required?

PALS certification is not required in all settings. However, it is often required for people who work in healthcare, public safety, or education.

What are the benefits of taking a PALS course?

There are many benefits to taking a PALS course. These include:

• Learning how to help children in a life-threatening pediatric emergency will give the learner the best tools and resources that could save a child’s life.

• Gaining confidence in your ability to help a child in a pediatric emergency: This could help you to act quickly and effectively in an emergency.

• Meeting the requirements for certification: If you are required to be certified in PALS, taking a course will meet the requirements.