Paediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)

This is a 1 day course inclusive of theory content, skills station and real-time PALS scenario simulations adapted to your clinical environment.

This course prepares you to manage a paediatric cardiac arrest for infants and children including manual defibrillation, drug calculations, airway management, patient assessment and post resuscitation care. Self paced learning completed prior to course attendance includes a series of skills videos, pre-recorded presentations and case based scenarios to test your knowledge prior to attendance at the 1 day practical program. The online learning component will take approximately 4-8 hours to complete.

All candidates will have their skills monitored and assessed throughout practical sessions and real-time scenarios. PALS competency will be achieved via practical assessments through simulation and online theory exam. All participants will be eligible for a certificate of PALS attendance, and those who are deemed competent will receive a certificate of PALS competency.

This course is designed for medical practitioners who need to be capable of providing emergency management and advanced life support to their paediatric patients. A separate program is available for those interested in Adult Advanced Life Support (ALS).

1. Describe and demonstrate the assessment and management of the airway, ventilation and circulation in a person who has no intrinsic circulation.
2. In accordance with the Australian Resuscitation Council Guidelines state 8 causes of cardiac arrest and briefly describe the management of each cause.
3. Discuss the signs and symptoms of respiratory distress in an infant?
4. Identify the correct insertion site and needle size for IO insertionDiscuss the potential risks associated with IO insertionDemonstrate the correct technique for IO insertion.
5. Identify the correct medications to treat specific arrhythmias including dose calculations and action of agent.
6. List adverse effects and specific contraindications for each medication.
7. Identify a variety of cardiac rhythms and arrhythmias that may be life threatening and outline the assessment and management of the patient.
8. Describe and demonstrate the management of a paediatric patient in cardiac arrest including patient assessment, ALS Algorithm, safe defibrillation, and post resuscitation cares.

Delivery: Blended PALS using online and face-2-face modes

Accreditation: RACGP Activity Number - 184818 & ACRRM Activity Number - 8926