/ Pediatric Advanced Life Support Classes

Pediatric advanced life support classes

Overview

Helen DeVos Children's Hospital is pleased to provide Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) courses. These courses follow the most current International Guidelines for Resuscitation published by the American Heart Association (AHA) Council on Emergency Cardiac Care.

The AHA developed the PALS Provider Course for currently active health care providers who initiate and direct advanced life support beyond the first few minutes through the stabilization or transport phases of a pediatric emergency. PALS providers may include nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, paramedics and physicians. A current basic life support (BLS) health care provider who cares for seriously ill or injured children can take this course.

Attending the PALS course will build on the current knowledge base to enhance the breadth and depth of knowledge and skills. Study and preparation for a PALS course is essential. Students must adequately prepare to complete the PALS Provider Course successfully. This course does not teach interpretation of rhythm strips or basic PALS pharmacology.

Required proficiencies

Performing CPR skills using the most recent AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECG
Reading and interpreting basic ECG rhythm strips

Knowledge of basic PALS pharmacology
Evaluating a seriously ill or injured child using the systematic approach to pediatric assessment outlined in the PALS Provider Manual