Description  AHA HeartCode® PALSis an online comprehensive eLearning program that uses eSimulation technology to allow students to assess and treat patients in virtual healthcare settings. In this environment, students apply their knowledge to real-time decision-making and skills development. Students are presented with 12 In-hospital patient cases and a team dynamics lesson. Cases may be repeated as many times as necessary to pass. The goal of the PALS course is to improve the quality of care provided to seriously ill or injured children, resulting in improved outcomes. The online program includes eSimulations and other interactive activities, plus videos, virtual debriefings, and more. PC and Mac®. Skills sessions must completed within 90 days of the completion of the online course. You can find your completion date printed on your completion certificate.

Who Should Take This Course?  TheAHA PALS course is designed for healthcare professionals who either direct or participate in the management of respiratory and/or cardiovascular emergencies and cardiopulmonary arrest in pediatric patients. This includes personnel in emergency response, emergency medicine, intensive and critical care units, and others who require PALS certification for job requirements.

Course Content

• Web-based, self-paced eSimulation instructional program for AHA PALS cognitive training
• Students apply knowledge to real-time decision-making and skills development
• Debriefings and coaching are provided immediately after each simulation to facilitate learning
• Performing high-quality Child CPR AED and Infant CPR per AHA BLS recommendations
• Differentiating between patients who do and do not require immediate intervention
• Recognizing cardiopulmonary arrest early and beginning CPR within 10 seconds
• Applying team dynamics
• Differentiating between respiratory distress and failure
• Performing early interventions for respiratory distress and failure
• Differentiating between compensated and decompensated (hypotensive) shock
• Performing early interventions for the treatment of shock
• Differentiating between unstable and stable patients with arrhythmias
• Describing clinical characteristics of instability in patients with arrhythmias
• Implementing post–cardiac arrest management

Students will have access to all information in the course, for two years following activation of course

Required Student Materials  All student content is contained within the AHA HeartCode PALS online portion, so no additional student materials are needed.  A variety of additional videos, as well as the AHA PALS Provider Manual are included to enhance learning and facilitate successful completion of the patient cases

Course Format and Exam  Before taking the PALS course, students must pass the online PALS Precourse Self-Assessment with a score of 70% or higher. This test is part of the PALS student Website (access granted with purchase of HeartCode PALS). (Part 1) After successful completion of the Precouse Self Assessment, students complete the online course, Heartcode PALS.  The online portion is 6.5 hours, and includes an online exam.  Students are expected to pass with a score of 84% or higher.  Heartcode PALS online, must be successfully completed to gain entry to a hands-on session.  (Part 2) Finally, students must students attend a structured Instructor-led classroom session that focuses on meaningful skills practice, debriefing, and skills testing, with an authorized AHA Instructor, within 60 days of completing the course. Skills sessions must completed within 90 days of the completion of the online course. You can find your completion date printed on your completion certificate.

Continuing Education Credits  EMS Professionals requiring continuing education credits, must submit a written request within 60 days of course completion. Please submit your request by emailing info@citywidecpr.com. The AHA offers continuing medical education (CME) or continuing education (CE) credits for some of its CPR and ECC courses, and CME/CE may also be offered for live events.  Learn more>

Course Completion Card Students receive the American Heart Association PALS Provider eCard, valid for two years.  AHA cards will be processed as eCards, and usually received within 48 hours following the class.  Students can expect to receive an email from ecards@heart.org or noreply@heart.org, with a link to claim their eCard. Learn more >

BLS Renewal  If you are taking an PALS class, PALS Update or an PALS skills session, you are also eligible to take a BLS skills session, on the same day, at a discounted rate of $30. You must first complete BLS Heartcode in order to take advantage of the discounted BLS skills session.