EducationPediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)

Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)

Specialized training for pediatric emergency care and resuscitation

Advanced14 CEUs14 hours

Learning Objectives

  • Recognize and manage respiratory distress and failure in pediatric patients
  • Apply the pediatric assessment triangle and systematic approach
  • Master pediatric BLS and advanced airway management
  • Manage pediatric shock and cardiac arrest scenarios
  • Calculate and administer appropriate pediatric drug dosages

Pediatric Algorithms

Pediatric Cardiac Arrest

Asystole/PEA and VF/pVT management

Pediatric Bradycardia

With pulse and poor perfusion

Pediatric Tachycardia

SVT and wide-complex tachycardia

Septic Shock

Early recognition and management

Age-Specific Considerations

Newborn (0-28 days)

Unique physiology and drug dosing

Infant (1-12 months)

Common emergencies and vital signs

Child (1-8 years)

Assessment techniques and equipment

Adolescent (>8 years)

Transition to adult protocols

Critical Skills & Calculations

Pediatric CPR

  • • Rate: 100-120/min
  • • Depth: 1/3 AP diameter
  • • Ratio: 30:2 (single), 15:2 (two)
  • • Ventilation: 1 breath/2-3 sec

Weight Estimation

  • • (Age × 2) + 8 = kg
  • • Broselow tape
  • • Length-based dosing
  • • PALS reference card

Equipment Sizing

  • • ETT: (Age/4) + 4
  • • Cuffed: (Age/4) + 3
  • • Blade size by age
  • • IV/IO selection

Pediatric Drug Dosing

MedicationDoseRouteIndication
Epinephrine0.01 mg/kg (0.1 mL/kg of 1:10,000)IV/IOCardiac arrest
Amiodarone5 mg/kgIV/IOVF/pVT
Atropine0.02 mg/kg (min 0.1 mg)IV/IOBradycardia
Adenosine0.1 mg/kg (max 6 mg)IV/IO rapidSVT

Pediatric Pearls

  • • Respiratory First: Most pediatric arrests are respiratory in origin - focus on oxygenation and ventilation
  • • Compensated Shock: Children maintain BP until late - tachycardia and poor perfusion are early signs
  • • Family Presence: Consider allowing family to be present during resuscitation with support
  • • IO Access: Intraosseous is rapid and reliable - don't delay vascular access
  • • Glucose Check: Always check blood glucose in altered mental status or seizures

Pediatric Scenarios