HSI Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)

Course Description

The HSI Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) course is an essential training program for healthcare professionals who work with children and infants in emergency care settings. This course, accredited by the Health & Safety Institute (HSI), provides the advanced skills needed to assess and manage pediatric emergencies, including life-threatening conditions such as cardiac arrest, respiratory distress, and shock. The PALS course ensures that participants are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to provide high-quality care to young patients in critical situations.

Introduction

The HSI Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) course is designed to teach healthcare providers the latest evidence-based techniques and protocols for managing pediatric medical emergencies. Combining theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on simulations, this course provides participants with the advanced clinical skills needed to respond to pediatric emergencies promptly and effectively. Whether you work in a hospital, emergency medical services (EMS), or pediatric care unit, this course will prepare you to handle the most critical pediatric situations with confidence.

Course Objective

By the end of the HSI Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the pathophysiology of common pediatric emergencies, including respiratory and cardiac arrest.

• Perform high-quality CPR for infants and children, including the use of AEDs for pediatric patients.

• Assess and treat pediatric patients in shock, respiratory distress, and other critical conditions.

• Administer medications and interventions specific to pediatric emergencies.

• Utilize PALS algorithms to make quick and effective decisions during pediatric resuscitation.

• Improve communication and teamwork in a multi-disciplinary environment to provide optimal care for pediatric patients in emergencies.

Course Outline

• Introduction to Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)

  • Overview of the course and key learning objectives

  • The role of PALS in improving outcomes for pediatric patients

• Assessment and Diagnosis

  • Initial assessment of pediatric patients in emergency situations

  • Identifying signs of respiratory distress, shock, and other critical conditions

• CPR and Airway Management for Pediatrics

  • Pediatric-specific CPR techniques for infants, children, and neonates

  • Advanced airway management, including the use of bag-valve-mask (BVM) and intubation techniques for pediatric patients

• Managing Pediatric Emergencies

  • Addressing respiratory and circulatory emergencies, such as cardiac arrest and severe asthma attacks

  • Identification and management of pediatric shock, including compensatory and decompensatory states

• Pharmacology and Medication Administration

  • Safe medication administration and dosages for pediatric patients in emergencies

  • Use of drugs for managing arrhythmias, respiratory failure, and shock

• PALS Algorithms for Pediatric Resuscitation

  • Understanding and applying PALS algorithms for the management of cardiac arrest and respiratory failure in children

  • Team-based decision-making in critical situations

• Team Dynamics and Effective Communication

  • The importance of collaboration in pediatric emergency care

  • Roles and responsibilities in high-stress pediatric emergencies