Preparation for Pediatric Advanced Life Support

Pediatric advanced life support, or PALS, is an advanced course from the American Heart Association (AHA). It's known as an evidenced-based course because it's based on scientific evidence summarized in the 2005 AHA Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care. PALS is designed to prepare healthcare providers to care for critically-ill infants and children. Participants learn to work as a resuscitation team, manage respiratory and cardiac emergencies and administer lifesaving treatments such as heart defibrillation. AHA provides a pre-course checklist to help clinicians get ready for the class.

Prerequisites

• PALS certification is designed for healthcare providers including nurses, doctors, respiratory therapists and emergency personnel. Each of these specialties has its own requirements for education, licensure and/or certification. You'll typically need to demonstrate current certification in Basic Life Support/Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (BLS/CPR) before starting a PALS course. Some PALS courses do offer the option of renewing a lapsed BLS/CPR certification during the PALS course.

Prevention/Solution

• PALS is a high-level clinical course that builds on previous learning. You won't pass unless you have a certain level of clinical knowledge and skills. Even if you're BLS/CPR certified, it's a good idea to review at least the pediatric portions of the BLS/CPR course before starting PALS. When you register for a PALS course, the provider will give you a self-assessment test with three sections: EKG rhythm interpretation, pharmacology and practical applications of life support.

Features

• The PALS course curriculum is standardized, so the materials from the continuing education provider will give you a good idea of what you'll be learning. It's based on AHA's "assess-categorize-decide-act" model. The CD from your instructor will contain clinical scenarios to give you a chance to practice with the model before coming to class. PALS also uses a series of flowcharts and algorithms that you can study before class. While the instructor will integrate these models into the PALS course, they won't be covered in detail.

Considerations

• In addition to the CD, you should also receive a course guide and other supplementary materials. It's a good idea to review those materials before class. Focus on the management of respiratory and cardiac emergencies, as well as systematic assessment of infants and children in crisis. Jot down areas where you'll need to pay extra attention during the PALS course, along with any outstanding questions.

Time Frame

• The PALS course is 14 hours long, and many providers offer it in two intensive days. There's a combination of lecture and hands-on practice in simulated emergencies, so you'll need to be at the top of your game. Make sure you're well-rested, eat a light meal before the class and allow yourself plenty of time to get to class without being rushed.

Tips

• Many hospitals, health systems, and continuing education providers offer a pre-PALS preparation course. Some employers sponsor study groups, or encourage staff to create their own learning circles. Take advantage of these learning opportunities to increase your chance of earning PALS certification.