Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Online Training

The AHA's HeartCode PALS Part 1 has been updated to reflect new science in the 2010 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC.

This Web-based, self-directed program teaches healthcare providers knowledge and skills needed to recognize and prevent cardiopulmonary arrest in infants and children. Using eSimulation technology, students assess and treat patients in virtual healthcare settings. In this environment, students apply their knowledge to real-time decision-making and skills development. Debriefings and coaching are provided immediately after each simulation to facilitate learning about pediatric advanced life support.

After completing Part 1, students practice and test their skills with an AHA PALS Instructor. Upon successful completion of all parts of the course, students receive a PALS course completion card.

HeartCode PALS Part 1 is updated to reflect the 2010 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC. Key changes include:

• Part 1 now online (as opposed to CD)
• Format similar to that of HeartCode ACLS Part 1
• Features new PALS Systematic Approach
Key science changes:
• Post ROSC, titrate oxygen to >/=94% but <100% to limit risk of hyperoxemia
• Defibrillate with an initial dose of 2-4J/kg, subsequent shocks at least 4J/kg but not to exceed 10J/kg
• Stronger recommendation against routine use of calcium in cardiac arrest because it does not improve survival and may be harmful
• Therapeutic Hypothermia may be considered in patients who remain comatose after resuscitation from cardiac arrest
• Continuous monitoring of exhaled CO2 may help determine the effectiveness of chest compressions during CPR; in intubated patients, it is recommended as confirmation of endotracheal tube position

No. Completion of this course does not result in an AHA course completion card. However, a certificate of completion is available for the student to print upon successful completion of the course. Students may also apply for continuing education credits upon completion.

Below are some of the key features and benefits of this course. Using eSimulation technology, HeartCode PALS Part 1 presents 12 pediatric patient cases with up to four healthcare providers, including four respiratory cases (upper airway obstruction, lower airway obstruction, lung tissues disease and disordered control of breathing), four shock cases (hypovolemic, distributive, obstructive and cardiogenic) and four cardiac cases (narrow complex tachycardia, bradycardia, PEA/asystole and VF/VT). Students assess and treat these pediatric patients virtually and receive real-time debriefing and coaching.

To receive a PALS course completion cared using this program, students must complete three parts:

• HeartCode PALS Part 1. Upon successful completion of the online portion, including the written exam, students receive a Part 1 certificate of completion, which must be presented for parts 2 and 3
• Part 2*, a hands-on skills practice session with an AHA PALS Instructor
• Part 3*, a skills test with an AHA PALS Instructor

*Parts 2 and 3 should be completed in one 'skills practice and testing' session.

Course features include:

• Self-paced and accessible 24 hours a day
• 12 interactive, pediatric, hospital-based scenarios, using eSimulation technology
• Precourse Self-Assessment to gauge students' knowledge and application of ECG recognition
and pharmacology
• Debriefings and coaching provided immediately after each simulation, with hyperlinks to the referenced section of the PALS Provider Manual
• Emphasis on effective code team leader skills
• Multiple choice, 33-question exam to test cognitive knowledge; program immediately identifies incorrect answers and provides a hyperlink to the appropriate section of the PALS Provider Manual for instant remediation
• Certificate of completion available to print when Part 1 has been completed successfully
• Online access to the PALS Provider Manual, the 2010 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC and the 2010 Handbook of Emergency Cardiovascular Care for Healthcare Providers
• Provides access to all information in course for 24 months (two years) following activation of course key
• Provides up to 11 hours continuing education credit

Part 1 can be completed in approximately 6-9 hours depending on the level of knowledge and clinical experience of the student. Unprepared or inexperienced students may require additional time. For example, those updating would probably complete in less time than first-time students.

Time to complete a skill practice and testing session (Parts 2 and 3) varies based on the level of expertise of the students and the instructors. Provided the students come prepared and the Instructor is experienced, six students with one instructor could probably accomplish the skills in 3-4 hours.

Yes, students must score at least 84% on the online written test, which is consistent with all of AHA's healthcare courses.

Yes. To earn an AHA PALS course completion card, students must successfully complete a PALS skills practice and testing session (Parts 2 and 3 of the course) with an AHA PALS Instructor. Students must bring their Part 1 Certificate of Completion to the skills session.

Students are allowed up to 60 days after the completion of the online part of the course to complete the skills session.