BLS vs PALS
Both BLS and PALS teach you to resuscitate children and infants, which is why people ask which one they need. A BLS course teaches CPR, the AED and ventilation for all ages; PALS builds advanced paediatric assessment and treatment on top of it.
The short answer
BLS is the foundation for everyone in healthcare and includes child and infant CPR. PALS is for clinicians who treat critically ill children and requires current BLS. Many paediatric staff need both.
| BLS | PALS | |
|---|---|---|
| Ages | Adults, children, infants | Infants and children |
| Focus | CPR, AED, ventilation, choking | Assessment, respiratory failure, shock, rhythms, arrest |
| Drugs and rhythms | No | Yes |
| Prerequisite | None | Current BLS skills |
| Card | BLS Provider, 2 years | PALS Provider, 2 years |
Depth, hand technique and the 15:2 two-rescuer ratio — see BLS for infants and children.
A systematic approach to the sick child, respiratory and shock management, rhythm disturbances and weight-based drugs. See the PALS course and what is PALS.
Everyone in healthcare: BLS. Paediatric, neonatal and emergency clinicians: PALS as well. For adults, compare BLS vs ACLS.
A child with a severe chest infection is working hard to breathe. PALS teaches the team to recognise respiratory failure early and support breathing before the heart slows. If the child does arrest, BLS takes over: effective breaths, compressions at the right depth, and the AED. Both courses are about the same child, at different moments, which is why paediatric teams usually need both.
Book BLS first on this page, then PALS on the PALS course page. If your BLS card expires within a few months, renewing it before PALS saves a second trip later.
Other life support and first aid courses: ACLS Course · PALS Course · First Aid Course · Training calendar
Yes, BLS includes child and infant CPR, AED use, ventilation and choking relief.
Yes, PALS requires current BLS skills.
PALS covers much more, including assessment, drugs and rhythms.
Commonly yes; your unit sets the requirement.
Many people book them on consecutive days. Ask us when you book.
BLS, because PALS requires current BLS skills. Many nurses book PALS within a few weeks of BLS so the two cards expire around the same time.
Safety First Medical Services is an American Heart Association training centre on Al Reem Island. Classroom BLS, HeartCode blended BLS and on-site group BLS training, with a two-year AHA BLS Provider eCard on completion.
See BLS dates and register BLS course overview Group booking enquiry
What we teach follows the awarding body and the UAE health authorities. For the definitive position on a course or licensing question, these are the places to check.
Last reviewed by the training team at Safety First Medical Services, an American Heart Association training centre at Addax Office Tower, Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi. Call +971 55 761 9841 or email training@safetyfirstmed.ae.