Prerequisites
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification is designed for health care providers including nurses,doctors,respiratory therapists and emergency personnel. Each of these specialties has its own requirements for education,licensure and/or certification. Before starting a PALS course,you will typically need to demonstrate current certification in Basic Life Support/Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (BLS/CPR). 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. This course is not easy to pass as you must possess a certain level of clinical knowledge and skills. It’s a good idea to review at least the pediatric portions of the BLS/CPR course before starting PALS even if you’re BLS/CPR certified. 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,therefore you will get a good idea of what you will be learning from the materials provided by the continuing education provider. It is based on AHA’s “assess-categorize-decide-act”model. The CD from our 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 be prepared before class by reviewing the materials. Some of the important topics to focus on are 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.
About Hearts and Hoses
Hearts &Hoses is the premier resource for San Diego CPR,San Diego PALS,and San Diego ACLS. We have over 14 years of experience in Emergency Medical Services,including pre-hospital and emergency room patient care. We offer courses in San Diego PALS training and San Diego PALS Certification,San Diego ACLS Training and San Diego ACLS Certification,San Diego CPR Training and San Diego CPR Certification.
Our services include the American Heart Association PALS Certification for health care providers. Many of our instructors are certified paramedics who can schedule PALS classes for you.
Please feel free to give us a call at 760.814.5127 or visit our site at http://heartsandhoses.com