HeartCode® PALS is 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.
To enter the course, students must complete the PALS Precourse Self-Assessment. Students are then presented with 12 In-hospital patient cases and a team dynamics lesson. Cases may be repeated as many times as necessary to pass. Upon successful completion of all the patient cases, students must pass the multiple-choice exam with a minimum score of 84%.
Students who successfully complete the online portion of the course receive a certificate granting them access to a PALS Hands-on Session with an AHA PALS Instructor or with a voice-assisted manikin (VAM). Students must successfully complete both the online portion and the hands-on session to receive a PALS Provider course completion card.
Once the cognitive portion of the course has been completed, students practice and test their skills with an AHA Instructor.
Features
- 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 2015 Handbook of ECC, and 2015 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC
- Access to all information in the course for two years following activation of course
Course Content
- 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
Audience
The AHA’s Heartcode PALS Course is designed for healthcare professionals and other personnel who work in pediatrics, including pediatricians, emergency physicians, family physicians, physician assistants, nurses, nurse practitioners, paramedics, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare providers who initiate and direct advanced life support in pediatric emergencies.
Course Exam
- All course videos must be watched to completion before students can access the exam.
- All course eSimulations must be passed before students can access the exam. Please note: eSimulations can be taken more than once
Students MUST print out and bring their “Certificate of Completion” to the instructor before the Skills Testing.