About
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) is an advanced, instructor-led course that prepares healthcare professionals to recognize and manage respiratory failure, shock, and cardiac arrest in infants and children using a systematic, algorithm-based approach and team dynamics.
Course focus
Learners apply the pediatric assessment sequence, PALS treatment algorithms, and high-quality child and infant CPR to stabilize critically ill or injured pediatric patients.Scenario-based simulations reinforce recognition of respiratory distress versus failure, compensated versus decompensated shock, and unstable versus stable arrhythmias.
Key skills and topics
High-quality infant and child CPR with AED integration, including one- and two-rescuer techniques and defibrillation/cardioversion.
Advanced airway management, ventilation strategies, vascular access including intraosseous, and medication/fluid therapy.
Team communication, leadership, and post–cardiac arrest care for improved pediatric outcomes.
Format and prerequisites
Offered as instructor-led or blended HeartCode with an online module followed by an in-person skills session and megacode testing.
AHA PALS Precourse Self-Assessment and current BLS Provider status are commonly required before skills sessions.
Certification
Successful participants receive an American Heart Association PALS Provider eCard, typically valid for two years from the issue month.
Who should attend
Physicians, nurses, paramedics, advanced prehospital providers, and other clinicians who direct or participate in pediatric emergency and critical care.