HeartCode PALS Part 1 is for healthcare providers who respond to emergencies in infants and children. This includes personnel in emergency response, emergency medicine, intensive care and critical care units such as physicians, nurses, paramedics and others who need a PALS course completion card and are seeking an alternative (non-classroom) method for completing an initial or update PALS course.

HeartCode PALS Part 1 is for healthcare providers who respond to emergencies in infants and children. This includes personnel in emergency response, emergency medicine, intensive care and critical care units such as physicians, nurses, paramedics and others who need a PALS course completion card and are seeking an alternative (non-classroom) method for completing an initial or update PALS course.

• Key changes in pediatric advanced life support, reflecting the new science from the 2010 American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care
• 12 pediatric, hospital-based, patient cases with up to four healthcare providers, presented though eSimulation technology
• Systematic approach to pediatric assessment
• Recognition and management of respiratory and shock emergencies
• Recognition and management of respiratory and cardiac arrest
• Immediate post-cardiac arrest care
• Effective communication as a member and leader of a resuscitation team

Part 1 Online – approximately 6-9 hours depending on the level of knowledge and clinical experience of the student

Parts 2 & 3 (Skills Practice and Testing) with an AHA PALS Instructor – if students prepared/Instructor experienced, with 6:1 student:Instructor ratio, approximately 3-4 hours

*course time based on 1 instructor: 6 student: 2 manikins

• Web-based, self-paced eSimulation instructional program for 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
• Access to the PALS Provider Manual, the 2010 Handbook of ECC and 2010 AHA Guidelines for CPR & ECC 
• Access to all information in course for two years following activation of course key

Changes: March 2013
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support Provider Manual
[ISBN 978-1-61669-010-6, AHA Product Numbr 90-1014]

Please make these corrections in your copy. These errors will be corrected in future printings of the Handbook.

Successful completion of the full PALS course (using HeartCode PALS Part 1) includes three parts:
• HeartCode PALS Part 1. Upon successful completion of the online portion, including the written exam, students receive a Part 1 certificate of completion, which must be presented for parts 2 and 3.
• Part 2*, a hands-on skills practice session with an AHA PALS Instructor.
• Part 3*, a skills test with an AHA PALS Instructor.

*Parts 2 and 3 should be completed in one “skills practice and testing” session.

Students will receive an AHA PALS course completion card, valid for two years, upon successful completion of all three parts.

Continuing Education Information:
Continuing Medical Education Accreditation – Physicians
The American Heart Association designates this enduring material for a maximum of 10.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Continuing Education Accreditation – Nurses
The American Heart Association is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. The maximum number of hours awarded for this CE activity is 10.00 contact hours.

Continuing Education Accreditation – Emergency Medical Services
This continuing education activity is approved by the American Heart Association, an organization accredited by the Continuing Education Coordinating Board for Emergency Medical Services (CECBEMS), for 11.00 Advanced CEHs, activity number 12-AMHAF3-0155.

HeartCode PALS Part 1 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the AHA determine the cost for all training courses and the accompanying course materials?

A: Costs for courses and materials are determined by Training Centers or Instructors and may vary. The AHA does not regulate price; however, provides its authorized distributors suggested retail pricing on course materials.

Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)

Information for PALS Instructors conducting a skills practice and testing session for HeartCode PALS Part 1 can be found in the document “Training Memo: Skills Practice and Testing for HeartCode PALS.” This document is posted on the AHA Instructor Network under Courses > PALS > HeartCode PALS Part 1, under the Training Memos & Bulletins tab.

HeartCode PALS Part 1: 90-1420