Pediatric advanced life support also referred to as PALS is a program governed by the American Heart Association and is designed to aid the pediatric health care provider with the knowledge and skills needed to manage critically ill infants and children. Pediatric advanced life support is used for the stabilization and transportation of the pediatric patient in an emergency situation. Some of the skills taught in pals are cardiopulmonary arrest, defibrillation, and intraosseous access, and fluid bolus administration. Pediatric advanced life support is governed by the American heart association and is put into place to properly respond and have the knowledge to adequately treat infants and children involved in cardiac arrest and other cardiopulmonary emergencies The classes have a standard curriculum led by a certified instructor who is provided with materials and guidelines to certify those taking the course. It is typically a 14 hour class and is broken into a two day class where a student is required to participate in core clinical cases and pass a written exam before a certification is received.

Obtaining PALS certification is a very important attribute to your health care skills especially when dealing with a pediatric patient. You must take a PALS course in order to get this certification. You can do this by attending medical schools, hospitals, or any American heart association approved course. Some of the health care professionals that will benefit from these classes and are sometimes required to take them are family physicians, pediatricians, emergency physicians, physician assistants, nurses, paramedics, nurse practitioners, respiratory therapists, and any other health care provider that may have to come in contact with pediatric patients that are involved in a pediatric emergency. Pediatric advanced life support is not only beneficial to the health care provider but is also beneficial  to the patient or family member.it is always important especially in life and death matters to be equipped and prepared to handle any emergency that may arise. In most jobs located in the health service industry a PALS certification is required. In some cases having this certification would give you an advantage over someone who doesn’t when you are on the job market.