Decoding the purpose of the PALS certification course

If you want to know more about saving children from emergencies like cardiac arrest and choking, the PALS certification is for you. This course equips you with the required skill to help children in need. But you must understand the PALS certification pros and cons before taking the course. This blog talks about the history of PALS, its use in daily life, and some topics that need to be covered in the course.

History of PALS certification course

 

The Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) course was developed in 1985. It was to develop a response system for the growing number of pediatric cardiac arrests. The course was designed to teach healthcare providers how to assess and manage life-threatening emergencies in children. The first PALS course was a one-day, in-person course. In 1990, a self-paced, home-study PALS course came into being. The PALS course gradually moved to a hybrid model of learning. It combined in-person and online classes for an overall experience for the learners.

The PALS course has been updated several times to reflect the latest advances in pediatric resuscitation. The most recent update was in 2020. The PALS certification course is required for many healthcare providers who work with children, including nurses, doctors, and emergency medical technicians. The course is also available to laypeople who want to learn how to help children in a medical emergency.

Why is it essential to know PALS and in which everyday situations could lay responders need it?

 

PALS, or Pediatric Advanced Life Support, is a course that teaches healthcare providers how to assess and manage life-threatening emergencies in children. It is essential for anyone who works with children or who may be the first responder to a pediatric emergency.

There are many everyday situations in which lay responders might need PALS. For example, if you are:

• A parent or caregiver of a child
• A teacher or coach
• A lifeguard or swim instructor
• A camp counselor
• A member of the emergency response team

You could be called upon to help a child in a medical emergency. If you have PALS certification, you will be prepared to provide the necessary care and save a life. Here are some of the specific situations in which lay responders might need PALS:

• Sudden Cardiac Arrest: PALS teaches lay responders how to perform CPR and use an AED to restart the heart.
• Choking: This is when a child’s airway is blocked, and they cannot breathe. PALS teaches lay responders to perform the Heimlich maneuver to clear the airway.
• Shock: This is a condition in which the body’s organs do not receive enough blood. PALS teaches lay responders how to recognize the signs of shock and how to treat it.
• Arrhythmias: These are abnormal heart rhythms. PALS teaches lay responders how to recognize the signs of arrhythmias and how to treat them.

If you are ever in a situation where a child is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, it is essential to act quickly. PALS certification can give you the knowledge and skills to save a life.

What topics are not covered in this course but are essential?

 

The Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) course covers many pediatric care topics. However, some topics still important for lay responders to know are not covered in the course.

Here are some topics that are not covered in the PALS course but are essential:

• Mental Health: Emergencies including anxiety, depression, and psychosis around children fall under this category. Lay responders should be aware of the signs and symptoms of these conditions and how to help a child experiencing a mental health emergency.
• Pediatric Poisonings: These can be caused by various substances, including medications, household chemicals, and environmental toxins. Lay responders should be aware of the signs and symptoms of poisoning and how to help a child who has been poisoned.
• Pediatric Trauma: This includes injuries such as falls, car accidents, and sports injuries. Lay responders should be aware of the signs and symptoms of trauma and how to help a child who has been injured.
• Pediatric Special Needs: Some children have special needs that may require specific care in an emergency. Lay responders should be aware of the unique needs of these children and how to help them.

Lay responders must be aware of these topics even if they are not covered in the PALS course. By being aware of these topics, lay responders can be better prepared to help a child in a medical emergency. It is essential to stay up-to-date on the latest information about pediatric emergencies. 

Conclusion

 

The PALS course is a comprehensive guide to helping a child or infant in medical emergencies. PALS originated from a well-thought process and has a progressive motive behind its existence. You can help any child once you have this certification. However, it is essential to understand the PALS certification pros and cons. The Pediatric Advanced Life Support Certification platform offers a well-rounded course. Log onto the PALS certification website and learn more about its teachings and discount options.