The most current 2025 American Heart Association Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) course teaches and reinforces knowledge and skills to best recognize and treat critically ill pediatric patients. The course uses a scenario-based, team approach and teaches emergency management of pediatric patients approaching or currently in respiratory/cardiac arrest.

👶 PALS Study Guide

Summary of American Heart Association (AHA) PALS Guidelines

⚠️ Disclaimer: This guide is a summary for reference only and does not replace the required AHA PALS Provider Manual. Providers must rely on clinical judgment and current AHA publications.

❤️ Chest Compressions (CPR Basics)

• 🔁 C-A-B: Circulation → Airway → Breathing

• ⚡ Start compressions immediately

• 📏 Depth

  • Infant: ~ 4 cm

  • Child: ~ 5 cm

  • (~ ⅓ to ½ anterior–posterior chest depth)

• ⏱️ Rate: 100–120/min

• 🔄 Ratios

  • 👤 1 rescuer: 30:2

  • 👥 2 rescuers: 15:2

• 🌬️ Advanced Airway: Continuous compressions +
  10 breaths/min (1 breath every 6 sec)

• ❤️ Pulse check: 5–10 seconds only

📈 Quantitative Waveform Capnography

• ✅ Recommended for ET tube confirmation & monitoring

• 📊 Monitors CPR effectiveness

• 🫁 ETCO₂ required as primary confirmation, plus clinical assessment

• 🔄 Used continuously during CPR and post-ROSC care

💊 Medication Protocols

• ⚡ Amiodarone: Preferred for VF / pulseless VT

• 🦴 Intraosseous (IO) access:

  • Recommended for all ages

  • Preferred when IV not immediately available

• ❌ Medications via advanced airway: Removed

🚨 Emergency Care Priorities

• 🏆 High-quality CPR & early defibrillation come first

• 🫁 Advanced airways:

  • ET tube may be used in infants/children

  • Use caution with cuff inflation pressure

  • Use SGA/AED if not proficient with intubation

• ⚡ Defibrillation

  • VF / pulseless VT

  • Initial shock: 2–4 J/kg

• 🔌 AED

  • Adult AED pads acceptable if pediatric pads unavailable

🧠 Comatose Post–Cardiac Arrest Care

• 🌡️ Targeted Temperature Management (TTM)

  • 32–34°C for 12–24 hours

• 🫁 Oxygen saturation goal:

  • 94–99%

💉 Shock Management

🚰 Hypotensive Shock

• 20 mL/kg IV/IO isotonic crystalloid

• Over 5–20 min

• Severe hypotension: 5–10 min

❤️ Cardiogenic Shock

• 5–10 mL/kg IV/IO over 10–20 min

• If poor cardiac function suspected: 10 mL/kg

• 🚀 Consider inotropes and/or vasopressors if fluid-refractory

⚖️ Legal & Educational Notice

The authors make no guarantees regarding accuracy, completeness, or applicability. Suggested doses and interventions do not replace clinical judgment.

CPR 4G INC is not liable for any direct or indirect damages resulting from use of this material. Content may not reflect the most current AHA updates.

🔗 Refer to official AHA ECC Guidelines for the most current clinical guidance.