PALS Certification: Pediatric Advanced Life Support
PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) trains clinicians to assess, stabilize, and resuscitate critically ill infants and children using systematic algorithms. Caring People Rescue offers in-person and blended CPR courses if you're ready to certify.
- Prerequisite: current BLS certification
- Course length: 12–14 hours initial, 6–8 hours renewal
- Cost: $220–$375 typical
- Focus: respiratory failure, shock, arrhythmias, and arrest
Why pediatrics is different
Most pediatric arrests start with respiratory or circulatory failure, not a primary cardiac rhythm. PALS centers on early recognition before arrest occurs.
Course structure
Systematic assessment (PAT, primary, secondary), team-based megacodes, and algorithm-driven decisions for bradycardia, tachycardia, and arrest in infants and children.
Prefer learning hands-on? Caring People Rescue runs in-person and blended pals certification classes with certified instructors — visit www.caringpeoplerescue.com to reserve a seat.
Who needs PALS
Pediatric and ED nurses, NICU/PICU staff, anesthesia, EMS, and any provider who may encounter a critically ill child.
Frequently asked questions
- Is PALS harder than ACLS?
- Different — PALS emphasizes pre-arrest recognition; ACLS emphasizes adult cardiac rhythms.
- Can I take PALS without pediatric experience?
- Yes, but pre-course study and a study partner are strongly recommended.
- How long is PALS valid?
- Two years.