PALS EDUCATIONAL GUIDE
Pediatric Cardiac Arrest Algorithm
Understand how the Pediatric Cardiac Arrest Algorithm supports systematic emergency care during the HeartCode PALS eLearning course.
The Pediatric Cardiac Arrest Algorithm is introduced during the American Heart Association HeartCode PALS eLearning course to help healthcare professionals understand a structured approach to managing cardiac arrest in infants and children. This educational guide reinforces key concepts and supplements—but does not replace—the official American Heart Association course materials or algorithm cards.
WHAT IS THE PEDIATRIC CARDIAC ARREST ALGORITHM?
The Pediatric Cardiac Arrest Algorithm provides a structured framework for pediatric emergency cardiovascular care. During the HeartCode PALS eLearning course, students learn how patient assessment, high-quality CPR, rhythm recognition, defibrillation concepts, medication concepts, and effective team communication work together during pediatric cardiac arrest management.
WHO NEEDS PALS CERTIFICATION?
Healthcare professionals commonly requiring PALS certification include:
- Registered Nurses (RN)
- Physicians
- Nurse Practitioners
- Physician Assistants
- Respiratory Therapists
- Paramedics
- Emergency Department Staff
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Staff
- Pediatric Healthcare Professionals
WHEN IS THE ALGORITHM USED?
During the HeartCode PALS eLearning course, healthcare professionals learn that the Pediatric Cardiac Arrest Algorithm is used when an infant or child is in cardiac arrest. Students review the importance of activating the emergency response system, providing high-quality CPR, reassessing the patient, and following current American Heart Association educational principles.
Topics commonly covered include:
- High-quality pediatric CPR concepts
- Rapid rhythm assessment
- Defibrillation concepts
- Pediatric airway management concepts
- Medication concepts
- Ongoing patient reassessment
- Team communication
How to Prepare
Reviewing the purpose of the Pediatric Cardiac Arrest Algorithm before beginning the HeartCode PALS eLearning course can help reinforce pediatric emergency care concepts. The in-person PALS skills session focuses on demonstrating high-quality CPR skills rather than advanced algorithm instruction.
- Complete the HeartCode PALS eLearning course before your skills session.
- Review pediatric high-quality CPR concepts.
- Become familiar with the purpose of the Pediatric Cardiac Arrest Algorithm.
- Arrive prepared to demonstrate high-quality CPR skills.
- Key Takeaways
- The Pediatric Cardiac Arrest Algorithm is introduced during the HeartCode PALS eLearning course.
- High-quality CPR is the foundation of pediatric emergency cardiovascular care.
- Patient assessment and teamwork support evidence-based decision-making.
- The in-person PALS skills session focuses on demonstrating high-quality CPR skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
American Heart Association PALS certification is typically valid for two years.
PALS certification is intended for healthcare professionals who care for infants and children in emergency or critical care settings.
Yes. BLS teaches the fundamentals of high-quality CPR, while PALS builds upon those skills by introducing advanced pediatric emergency cardiovascular care concepts during the HeartCode PALS eLearning course.
Yes. Students complete the HeartCode PALS eLearning course before attending the in-person skills session, which focuses on demonstrating high-quality CPR skills.
