PALS for NICU & PICU
Intensive care teams for babies and children manage the sickest patients in any hospital, and deterioration can be fast. A PALS course gives NICU and PICU staff a shared language for recognising and treating it.
In short
PICU staff usually need PALS. NICU staff usually need NRP for resuscitation at delivery and PALS for infants beyond the newborn period, depending on the unit. Both need current BLS.
NRP covers the newly born at delivery; PALS covers infants after the newborn period and those who deteriorate later in their stay. Many NICUs require both — see PALS vs NRP.
PICU teams use PALS daily: respiratory failure, septic shock, arrhythmias and post-arrest care.
On-site PALS can use your own equipment and be split across shifts to keep cover. See also PALS for paediatric nurses and doctors.
Staff who retrieve or transfer critically ill children between hospitals use PALS skills in the most difficult setting of all: a moving vehicle with limited space. Stabilising before departure and planning for deterioration en route are discussed on the course.
In intensive care, parents are often present during emergencies. Clear, compassionate communication is part of good paediatric resuscitation.
Other life support and first aid courses: BLS Course · ACLS Course · First Aid Course · Training calendar
Usually NRP, and often PALS as well; it depends on the unit.
Yes, PICUs commonly require it.
Resuscitation at delivery is NRP; PALS covers infants who deteriorate later.
Yes, split across shifts to keep cover.
Yes, current BLS is a prerequisite for PALS.
Staff who resuscitate children regularly usually renew through HeartCode PALS. Nurses new to intensive care often prefer classroom PALS for the extra practice with equipment in every size.
PALS covers airway, breathing and ventilation principles, including advanced airways and capnography, but intensive care ventilation management is beyond the course.
Safety First Medical Services is an American Heart Association training centre on Al Reem Island. HeartCode blended PALS, classroom PALS and on-site PALS for paediatric, neonatal and emergency teams, with a two-year AHA PALS Provider eCard.
See PALS dates and register PALS 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.