PALS vs EPALS & APLS
Clinicians who trained in Europe, the UK or Australia often arrive in the UAE with EPALS or APLS rather than an AHA PALS course card. All three teach paediatric life support; what differs is who awards them and what UAE employers ask for.
In short
PALS (American Heart Association), EPALS (European Resuscitation Council) and APLS (Advanced Life Support Group) share the same evidence base via ILCOR. UAE facilities most often name AHA PALS. Check your employer before booking.
Structure, emphasis and terminology rather than core science. APLS covers more paediatric emergency medicine and trauma; PALS is organised around its assessment approach, respiratory and shock categories and algorithms.
AHA PALS is the most commonly named paediatric card. Some employers accept equivalents; many do not. See PALS for licensing and the PALS certificate.
There is no conversion. Experienced paediatric clinicians usually find HeartCode PALS quick. The AHA-specific parts worth reviewing are the systematic approach and the algorithms.
Adult equivalents are compared in AHA ACLS vs other ALS courses.
Credentialling teams in the UAE generally find AHA cards easiest to verify, because the eCard code can be checked online in seconds. If you hold APLS or EPALS, ask your new employer early whether it will be accepted, so you have time to book PALS before your start date if needed.
Other life support and first aid courses: BLS Course · ACLS Course · First Aid Course · Training calendar
Some employers accept it; many specify AHA PALS. Check with your employer.
The science is shared, but they are different courses from different organisations.
No, you take the AHA course; HeartCode PALS is usually quick.
Yes, APLS has a broader emergency focus including trauma.
AHA PALS is the most widely requested.
Both cover paediatric resuscitation and serious illness from the same evidence, organised differently; APLS also covers trauma more broadly.
Only if your employer requires AHA PALS specifically. Many UAE facilities do, so check early and book HeartCode PALS if needed.
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.