Weight-Based Dosing
In an adult arrest every patient gets the same adrenaline dose. In a child, every drug, fluid bolus and shock is calculated from weight — often under pressure, without scales. The PALS course teaches how to do this safely.
In short
Use a measured weight if known; otherwise estimate with a length-based tape. Calculate per kilogram, use pre-calculated charts or apps, never exceed the adult dose, and read every dose back.
A recent measured weight is best. In an emergency, a length-based tape measured from head to heel gives an estimated weight and a colour zone with pre-calculated doses and equipment sizes. Parents’ estimates are useful but can be inaccurate.
Write the dose per kilogram first, then multiply. Examples of what is calculated by weight in PALS:
Work out doses for a 5 kg infant, a 12 kg toddler and a 25 kg child. The study guide and practice questions help. Paramedics often rely on tapes — see PALS for paramedics.
This guide summarises what the PALS course teaches, for education only. It is not a clinical protocol: follow the current American Heart Association guidelines, linked below, and your institution’s paediatric policies.
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Use a recent measured weight or a length-based tape.
A length-based tape that estimates weight and gives pre-calculated doses and equipment sizes.
Tenfold errors from decimal points or concentrations.
No.
Yes, in joules per kilogram.
Paediatric emergencies are learned by doing. Safety First Medical Services is an American Heart Association training centre on Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi, with HeartCode, classroom and on-site PALS and a two-year AHA PALS Provider eCard.
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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.