Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)

A brief introduction to PALS. This introductory chapter provides an overview of PALS guidelines and what will be covered in the course. This initial chapter also explains how the PALS Series of Protocols was developed. 

Chapter two in the PALS course. This chapter discusses The Resuscitation Team and the roles within the team in detail. Each team member’s role is outlined, as it is important to have a clear understanding of the responsibilities associated with each specific role. This chapter also discusses the importance of respect in a team environment.

The third chapter in the PALS series covers Basic Life Support. Known as BLS, the information in this chapter explains the proper administration of basic life support. The use of CPR and defibrillators is highlighted. BLS provides a temporary solution while waiting for Emergency Medical Responders to arrive, who can provide more intensive care.

This is a lesson about the administration of basic life support specifically in situations involving children. It provides a step-by-step overview of what to do in one-rescuer scenario involving children. There are important adjustments which must be made when administering CPR to a child, which are highlighted here, along with important information about maintaining the situation until EMS arrives on the scene.

This lesson is an extension of the focus on BLS. The emphasis in this lesson is on situations with two rescuers involving children. In these critical situations, it is important to know the responsibilities of each rescuer in order to provide the best possible outcome. 

Chapter 3, Part 4 continues with the coverage of BLS. The information provided is specific to one-rescuer situations involving infants. There are a number of appropriate actions to take depending on the state of the infant, which is explained in detail during the lesson.

Chapter 3, Part 5 addresses BLS in infants, this time in two-rescuer situations. This in-depth explanation provides knowledge concerning the role of each rescuer. As BLS is different with infants in comparison to children or adults, this lesson also emphasizes the necessary changes to ensure a safe administration of BLS.

The first lesson in Chapter 4, covering Normal Heart Anatomy. This lesson covers the anatomy of the heart, which can be broken down into four specific chambers. There are definitions provided for each chamber. As the lesson continues, the heart is discussed in greater detail, with definitions and relevant information about the heart’s various parts provided throughout. 

The second lesson of Chapter 4 explains the physiology of a normal heart. This lesson explains how we use this knowledge of a normal heart to better understand and identify abnormal functions. Also discussed is the QRS complex, and the type of abnormality that registers as such. 

It is important, in any situation involving risk, to remain calm. It is also vital to have a plan, which is referred to here as A Systematic Approach. Part 3 of chapter 4 provides diagrams and descriptions of necessary assessments when dealing with an infant. 

This lesson covers Initial Diagnosis and Treatment. The ABCDE method consists of five components, which are introduced here. This method is to be used after you have reached the Initial Diagnosis and Treatment phase of care, which means the child or infant faces no immediate danger of death.

This lesson covers Airway, the first component of the ABCDE method. In particular, this lesson discusses how to assess a child or infant’s airway. When conducting an airway assessment, there are three possibilities for which steps to take next, depending on the status of the airway in question. An airway must first be established and maintained before moving on to breathing. 

Breathing, the second component of the ABCDE method, is discussed in this lesson. These events can be handled in diagnosed in two possible ways, as either abnormally fast breathing or abnormally slow breathing. When assessing for effective breathing, it is important to check for increased respiratory effort and its accompanying signs.

It is important, in any situation involving risk, to remain calm. It is also vital to have a plan, which is referred to here as A Systematic Approach. Part 3 of chapter 4 provides diagrams and descriptions of necessary assessments when dealing with an infant. 

This lesson covers Initial Diagnosis and Treatment. The ABCDE method consists of five components, which are introduced here. This method is to be used after you have reached the Initial Diagnosis and Treatment phase of care, which means the child or infant faces no immediate danger of death.

Exposure is the fifth and final component of the ABCDE method. Classically, exposure is most important when responding to a child or infant who may have experienced trauma. It has relevance in PALS evaluations as well. Depending on time constraints, the PALS provider in this case will be able to find signs of trauma or clues as to what led to the current problem. As infants and children lose core body temperature faster than adults, be sure to cover and warm the individual after concluding a diagnostic survey. 

This lesson covers secondary diagnosis as well as treatment. It includes a more thorough survey of the brief ABCDE method. When conducting a focused exam, the acronym SPAM has been followed consistently. The key point is that it’s best to work from head to toe to complete a comprehensive survey.

This lesson covers life-threatening issues and the appropriate actions to take in a life-threatening emergency. Many different situations can lead to life-threatening issues. It is important to maintain breathing and circulation for a child while attempting to determine a specific problem. 

This lesson is a brief overview of the resuscitation tools and its importance in PALS. Understanding the availability of resuscitation tools is essential. There are two categories, medical devices and pharmacological tools, with the differences between the two being explained here. 

This lesson discusses how to appropriately perform bag-mask ventilation. Proper use requires proper fit, making sure to tightly cover the mouth and nose, but not the eyes. Clear masks are best, as they allow you to see the color of the person’s lips and any condensation indicating exhalation. Other guidelines and important information such as bag size and style of mask are explained. 

This video discusses when to use Endotracheal Intubation, otherwise known as ET Intubation. It is a safeguard against the failure of more commonly used equipment. As ET Intubation requires specialized training, a complete description is beyond the scope of this video.

This lesson covers basic airway adjuncts. There are three basic airway adjuncts, which are introduced here. Their uses and relevance are explained, according to the situation. Each serves a different purpose in treating a patient and it is important to monitor the individual’s heart rate when these adjuncts are in use. 

This video discusses Basic Airway Techniques. There are three basic airways, oropharyngeal airway, nasopharyngeal airway and suctioning. Choosing the right device is important, so as to prevent any damage to the throat and to prevent accidental suffocation. Each devices use is explained from insertion to removal.

This lesson introduces the Automated External Defibrillator, or AED. Designed to be user-friendly, the AED is both sophisticated and easy to use. The criteria on when to use an AED is explained, and the entire process from accessing an AED to its use and the corresponding CPR is discussed in detail. 

This lesson briefly discusses Pharmacological Tools. Table 9 in the corresponding PALS manual provides a brief reminder for those already knowledgeable in the use of medications. Although cited for reference, routine administration of drugs via an ET tube is discouraged as drug absorption from the ET tube route is unpredictable.

This lesson discusses the definition of respiratory distress or failure and how they are recognized. Respiratory distress proves challenging when an individual is breathing, but not actually breathing effectively. The PALS manual has corresponding tables. Signs and symptoms are also explained. 

This lesson discusses Causes of Respiratory Distress. The four categories generally referring to distress are listed. Descriptions of each category and potential causes are explained, although the list is not comprehensive. 

This lesson covers management of respiratory distress, regarding airway, breathing and circulation. Management is adjusted based on the severity of the current condition, and the responsibilities of the care provider are explained. 

This lesson is the first of two parts about Bradycardia. The first step being its recognition. Bradycardia is defined and the various signs and symptoms it may cause are discussed. The different kinds of Bradycardia are also explained, as well as what happens during the specific event. 

This lesson is the second of two parts about Bradycardia. Once an event has been recognized, it is time to respond and administer care. Guidelines are provided and there are different protocols to be followed, according to the severity of the situation. 

This lesson covers Recognizing Tachycardia. It is a potentially life-threatening issue depending on whether it compromises the heart’s ability to perfuse effectively. Signs and symptoms are listed and appropriate actions for specific tachycardic events are explained.

This lesson covers the Narrow QRS Complex, one of two divisions for pediatric tachyarrhythmias. The tachycardias which are classified as Narrow QRS are introduced. Their relevance to PALS providers and the likeliness of encountering each is also explained.

This lesson covers the Wide QRS complex, the second of two divisions for pediatric tachyarrhythmias. Wide QRS complex involves only two tachycardias, ventricular and unusual SVT. Each is explained along with identifying signs and characteristics. 

This video discusses how to respond to tachycardic events. It provides a step-by-step approach to a given event, from identifying the cause to treatment administration. The corresponding PALS manual also has figures providing details on drug dosages.