PALS is available in two different training methods – blended learning and classroom training. All PALS course options teach the same AHA science-based skills and result in the same AHA PALS Course Completion Card.
Summary
Who should take this course?
PALS is geared towards healthcare providers who respond to emergencies in infants and children and for personnel in emergency response, emergency medicine, intensive care and critical care units. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive a course completion card, valid for two years. Please contact your employer to ensure that you are selecting the correct course.
The PALS Provider Course aims to improve outcomes for pediatric patients by preparing healthcare providers to effectively recognize and intervene in patients with respiratory emergencies, shock, and cardiopulmonary arrest by using high‐performance team dynamics and high‐quality individual skills. The course includes a series of case scenario practices with simulations that reinforce important concepts. Upon successful completion of all the patient cases, students must pass the multiple-choice exam with a minimum score of 84%.
What does this course teach?
- Perform high‐quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) per American Heart Association (AHA) basic life support (BLS) recommendations
- Differentiate between patients who do and do not require immediate intervention
- Recognize cardiopulmonary arrest early and begin CPR within 10 seconds
- Apply team dynamics
- Differentiate between respiratory distress and failure
- Perform early interventions for respiratory distress and failure
- Differentiate between compensated and decompensated (hypotensive) shock
- Perform early interventions for the treatment of shock
- Differentiate between unstable and stable patients with arrhythmias
- Describe clinical characteristics of instability in patients with arrhythmias
- Implement post–cardiac arrest management
Upon completion of all course requirements, participants receive a Provider Course Completion Card which is valid for two years.
Depending on which pediatric course option you choose, CE/CME may be available for your profession.
Format
The PALS Provider Course aims to improve outcomes for pediatric patients by preparing healthcare providers to effectively recognize and intervene in patients with respiratory emergencies, shock, and cardiopulmonary arrest by using high‐performance team dynamics and high‐quality individual skills. The course includes a series of case scenario practices with simulations that reinforce important concepts.
Course Completion
Contact an AHA Training Center in your area to sign up for an Instructor-led class
Course Length
Approximate course completion times are listed below. Times are based on a recommended ratio of 6 students to 1 Instructor to 1 manikin or station (NOTE: the CPR and AED and Management of Respiratory Emergencies stations require 1 Instructor and 2 manikins for 6 students per station). Using different ratios will result in increased course completion times.
- PALS ILT Full Course: 12.5 hours with breaks; 10.5 hours without breaks
- PALS ILT Update Course: 8 hours and 45 minutes with breaks, 8 hours and 15 minutes without breaks
- PALS ILT Traditional Full Course: 17 hours and 15 minutes with breaks; 16 hours and 45 minutes without breaks
Completion Card
PALS Provider Course Completion eCard, valid for two years
Accessibility
Contact your Training Center to inquire about their facility’s accommodations.
Features
- Includes realistic, clinical scenarios that encourage active participation – delivered through actual pediatric patient videos and lifelike simulations
- Comprehensive and includes our systematic approach to assess and treat pediatric patients in emergency situations
- Hands-on class format to reinforce skills proficiency
- Co-branded with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
Registration
We do not currently use AHA’s new website Atlas for class registrations. It does not notify us of enrollments, therefore, you MUST call or email to register!
