Q: What does PALS stand for?

A: PALS stands for Pediatric Advanced Life Support, and the class teaches students how to care for seriously ill or injured children and infants.

Q: What will students learn in the PALS course?

A: Students taking this course will learn: 1-rescuer child CPR and AED; 1-and-2-rescuer infant CPR; how to manage respiratory emergencies; how to determine heart rhythm disturbances; electrical therapy; how to give resuscitation; how to handle cardiac, respiratory and shock situations; how to assess pediatric emergencies.

Q: Who is the PALS course targeted for?

A: The PALS course is designed for healthcare professionals who provide care to children and infants in emergencies. These personnel include first responders, emergency medicine providers, physicians, nurses, paramedics and others.

Q: What is the difference between PALS and PEARS?

A: The PALS course teaches students how to treat critically ill or injured children and infants using advanced life support methods. PALS is for healthcare providers that frequently see seriously ill or injured children and infants. PEARS (Pediatric Emergency Assessment, Recognition and Stabilization) focuses on early recognition and stabilization of the critically ill or injured child or infant until the code team or EMS arrives. PEARS is meant for healthcare professionals that infrequently see seriously ill or injured children and infants.

Q: What is the class format?

A: The PALS course includes case scenarios, videos, skills practice, and testing. It is classroom-based, and training includes manikins for practice.

Q: How long does the PALS course take to compete?

A: The initial course is approximately 12 hours, including breaks and lunch. Our PALS renewal class runs approximately 6 hours.

Q: What are the PALS course completion requirements?

A: Students must pass the 1-and 2-rescuer child BLS with AED, and 1-and 2-rescuer infant BLS skills test; practice and complete all learning stations; complete the closed-book written exam with a score of at least 84%, and pass 2 PALS case scenarios demonstrating proper technique and medical treatment.

Q: Do students receive a course completion card after taking the course?

A: Yes, all students who successfully complete all sections of the PALS course receive a course completion card that is valid for 2 years.

Q: Is there any recommended experience students should have before taking the course?

A: Students should have already mastered infant and child BLS skills, and should also be able to recognize various heart rhythms, know the different types of airway management tools, and understand the different drugs commonly used to treat cardiovascular irregularities.

Q: How do students know if they are prepared to take the PALS course?

A: To help students determine if they are ready to take the PALS course, students are recommended to complete the online PALS Pre-course Self-Assessment through the AHA Student Website: americanheart.org.


American Heart Association Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS): http://www.heart.org/idc/groups/heart-public/@wcm/@ecc/documents/downloadable/ucm_433454.pdf