APLS vs PALS

Characteristic

APLS

The Pediatric Emergency Medicine Course

PALS

 (Pediatric Advanced Life Support)

Course Sponsor

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP)

American Heart Association (AHA) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

Intended audience

Geared to the physician level

Intended for the healthcare provider

Length

16 hours. Classes are usually expanded with optional lectures and an additional trauma track

16 hours

Taught by

AAP/ACEP approved Course Director and selected faculty

AHA PALS Instructor

Chapters in Text

1. An approach to the seriously ill child + Recognition of Respiratory Failure and Shock
2. Respiratory Distress
3. Advanced Airway Management: Rapid Sequence Induction for Emergent Intubation
4. Shock & Vascular Access
5. BLS & the new AHA life support algorithms
6. Trauma resuscitation
7. Head Trauma
8. Cervical Spine Trauma and principles of immobilization
9. Minor trauma
10. Toxicology: Ingestion, Inhalation Injuries and Envenomation
11. Rhythm Disturbances
12. Body Temperature Disturbances
13. Child Abuse
14. Altered Levels of Consciousness
15. Septic Appearing Infant
16. Meningitis
17. Diabetic Ketoacidosis
18. Status Epilepticus
19. Pain Management and Sedation in Acute Care
20. Medication Use: Aids to Correct Dosing
21. Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC)
22. Preparedness for Pediatric Emergencies in the General Hospital Emergency Department
23. Office Emergencies
24. Neonatal Emergencies

1. The Chain of Survival and Emergency Medical Services for Children
2. Recognition of Respiratory Failure and Shock
3. Basic Life Support for the PALS Healthcare Provider
4. Airway, Ventilation, and Management of Respiratory Distress and Failure
5. Fluid Therapy and Medications for Shock and Cardiac Arrest
6. Vascular Access
7. Case Scenarios in Shock
8. Rhythm Disturbances
9. Post-arrest Stabilization and Transport
10. Trauma Resuscitation and Spinal Immobilization
11. Children With Special Healthcare Needs
12. Toxicology
13. Neonatal Resuscitation
14. Rapid Sequence Intubation
15. Sedation Issues for the PALS Provider
16. Coping With Death and Dying
17. Ethical and Legal Aspects of CPR in Children

Course format

Lectures, small group case presentations and discussions, and skill stations.

One lecture, small group discussions, skill practice, case studies, videos.

Course Completion

Participants who attend entire course receive a certificate of attendance. CME credits may be offered if the course is sponsored by an ACCME accredited organization.

Participants who successfully complete skill and written evaluations receive the PALS provider card.

Renewal

APLS Course Completion Card is optional (valid for 4-years).

APLS Steering Committee recommends that all physicians who treat pediatric patients attend an APLS Course once every 4-years.

Course completion card valid for 2 years. Renewal course is approximately 4 hours.

For more information contact:

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) at 800/433-9016 ext 4195 or the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) at 800/798-1822 ext 3292

Local American Heart Association Training Center (TC). www.americanheart.org.