Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Initial Course

This course is designed for licensed healthcare providers who either direct or actively participate in the resuscitation of a of a child or infant. This course will enhance the participant’s skills in the treatment of arrest and peri-arrest patients through active participation in a series of simulated cardiopulmonary cases. These core case simulations are designed to reinforce important emergent pediatric and related emergencies in infants and children. This course follows a structured, detailed and slow-paced curriculum optimal for team members that do not respond to pediatric emergencies regularly and for initial certification.

This two-day (16 hour) course, accredited by the American Heart Association, aims to improve the quality of care provided to seriously ill or injured children, resulting in improved outcome. In this course you will enhance your skills in treating arrest and peri-arrest pediatric patients though active participation in a series of simulated cardiopulmonary cases. The course includes 4 hours of independent online pre-course work and 12 hours of class time. Online component is a mandatory prerequisite for live class participation. Day one is eight hours and day two is four hours and includes lecture, skills practice, and assessment in a classroom environment.

After completing this course, participants will be able to perform each of the following skills:

Recall the basic steps of CPR for children, and infants.
Show the basic steps of CPR for children, and infants.
Give breaths with a bag mask.
Perform rescue breathing.
Explain the importance of early defibrillation.
List the steps common to the operation of all external defibrillators.
Demonstrate the proper placement of the defibrillator pads.
Understand and be able to perform the systematic approach to pediatric assessment, including general, primary, secondary, and tertiary assessments.
Use the assess-categorize-decide-act approach to assessment and management of a seriously ill child.
Recognize and manage a child in respiratory distress or failure and/or compensated or hypotensive shock.
Recognize and manage a child with life-threatening bradyarrhythmia, tachyarrhythmia or arrest rhythm.
Demonstrate effective communication as a member or leader of a resuscitation team and recognize the impact of team dynamics on overall team performance.
Demonstrate proper technique for intraosseous (IO) access and fluid bolus administration.
Perform as a team leader or team member in simulated cases.
Appropriately use electrical therapy, including defibrillation and synchronized cardioversion.

Program Fee

For more information, price, and registration instructions, please send an email to CPRAdmin1@BaptistHealth.net

The American Heart Association

The American Heart Association (AHA) is a non-profit organization in the United States that funds cardiovascular medical research, educates consumers on healthy living and fosters appropriate cardiac care in an effort to reduce disability and deaths caused by cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Program Manager

Claudia Sabogal-Rodriguez, Ph.D, MPHM, MSN, RN, CEN

786-467-3263

CPRAdmin1@BaptistHealth.net

Eligibility Requirements and Application Schedule

Our program attracts, educates, and retains exceptional healthcare talent to serve the South Florida community. Program participants will be trained in the Baptist Health Way with a focus on quality, inclusion, compassion, and collaboration.

Eligibility Prerequisites

The AHA limits enrollment to PALS to healthcare professionals who manage cardiovascular or respiratory emergencies and cardiopulmonary arrest in pediatric patients. AHA recommends that before class, the participants read the PALS Provider manual, complete the mandatory prework via elearning.heart.org, identify any gaps in your knowledge and remediate those gaps by studying the applicable content in the provider manual. You will need the following knowledge and skills to complete the course successfully:

Electrocardiogram rhythm interpretation for core rhythms
PALS pharmacology knowledge
Practical application of PALS algorithms and medications
BLS Skills

Application Requirements

Complete the Pediatric Advanced Life Support Precourse Self-Assessment and Video Prework with the 2025 CPR & ECC Guidelines logo prior to attending class.

Acceptance and admission to the program is contingent on submission of all requested materials and meeting all eligibility requirements as determined by the program.

Application Timeline

Where do applicants go to apply? For more information, price, and registration instructions, please send an email to CPRAdmin1@BaptistHealth.net
When are applications accepted? Register 3 months in advance. Continuous throughout the year, subject to availability.
When does the program start? Continuous throughout the year, subject to availability.

Email CPRAdmin1@BaptistHealth.net

Program Snapshot

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