What is PALS?

Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) is a classroom, video-based, Instructor-led course that uses a series of simulated pediatric emergencies to reinforce the important concepts of a systematic approach to pediatric assessment, basic life support, PALS treatment algorithms, effective resuscitation and team dynamics.

Issues covered in the course include:

1. BLS review
   
   1. 1 and 2 rescuer CPR for infant
      
   2. 1 and 2 rescuer CPR for older child
      
2. Automated External Defibrillator use
   
3. ​Identification of rhythm disturbances and electrical therapy
   
4. Intravenous and intraosseous access
   
5. Advanced airway management including:
   
   1. ​Airway adjuncts
      
   2. Positive Pressure Ventilation
      
   3. Endotracheal Intubation

Emergency scenarios covered include:

1. Respiratory
   
   1. ​Upper airway obstruction
      
   2. Lower airway obstruction
      
   3. Lung parenchymal disease
      
   4. Disordered control of breathing
      
2. Shock
   
   1. ​Hypovolemic
      
   2. Obstructive
   3. Distributive/Septic
      
   4. Cardiogenic
      
3. Cardiac
   
   1. ​Supraventricular tachycardia
      
   2. Bradycardia
      
   3. Asystole/Pulseless Electrical Activity (PEA)
   4. Ventricular fibrillation/Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia
      

A regular PALS Provider (PP) course is held over 2 days and includes both didactic and team based learning.  

A PALS Renewal (PR) course (available to anyone with PALS certification within the last 24 months) is a 1 day course and focuses more on reinforcing specific algorithms.

The goal of the PALS Course is to improve the quality of care provided to seriously ill or injured children, resulting in improved outcomes for ill and injured children.