PALS
Pediatric cardiac arrest is a classic “HALO” event, or “high opportunity, low occurrence” presentation. As such it is something we should review regularly and incorporate into our local simulation practice - Mike De Paoli & Julian Marsden
HWN Suggests
PALS Guidelines
Chest compression only CPR is not advisable in pediatric cardiac arrest...
The C-A-B approach has been advocated in adult cardiac arrest with the goal of starting chest compressions as early as possible and minimizing interruptions. However, adult arrests are usually cardiac related, whereas children tend to arrest from respiratory causes which tend to be mediated by hypoxia.
Articles of Interest
PALS Update
OHCA-airway BVM is better than intubation, but in the ED definitive airway is important for prevention of aspiration and secure airway.
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) – 2020 Update
Important to appreciate that pediatric cardiac arrest and resuscitation are incredibly challenging areas to study so the data we have is limited in scope and quality.
The Ultimate Guide To PALS Certification
One of the biggest goals of PALS training and certification is to learn how to work with and as a team. Bring your own experiences and previous learning to the mix, as it’s important to know how to diagnose and provide medication and treatments.
Resources
SAEM
Starting in the 1980s significant advancements have been made in pediatric resuscitation training. The American Heart Association offers courses in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). PALS prepares providers with knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage critically ill infants and children. Unlike adult cardiac arrest, which is primarily caused by coronary artery disease, the most common causes of pediatric cardiac arrest are respiratory failure and shock.
