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Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS): Special Considerations for Healthcare Providers in Columbus

 Performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on a pediatric patient presents unique challenges that require special training and preparation. As a healthcare provider in Columbus, it is essential that you are equipped to deliver high-quality CPR tailored to children. Taking a Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) course can provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage pediatric emergencies.

Addressing the Unique Challenges of Performing CPR on Pediatric Patients



Children are not just small adults. Their bodies and physiology are different in many important ways that affect how CPR should be performed:

Anatomy and Physical Size

Children come in a wide range of ages and sizes. Infants and toddlers have proportionally larger heads, less developed muscles, and more flexible rib cages. School-age children are bigger but still have less muscular chests and softer sternums. Proper hand placement and compression depth are key.

Airway and Breathing

Children have smaller airways that are more easily obstructed. Smaller lungs and higher respiratory rates mean faster desaturation. Proper airway positioning, two-person BVM ventilation, and early intubation are often required.

Circulation and Compressions

Children have higher heart rates. Delivering chest compressions at an appropriate rate matched to age is vital. One-third of chest depth improves perfusion. Allow full recoil to enable cardiac filling.

Medication Doses

Weight-based dose calculations are essential. Inputs like age, weight, and length help determine the correct med doses and equipment sizes. Have a reference chart and Broselow tape available.

Emotional Impact

Performing CPR on a child is stressful. Stay focused on the clinical goal of high-quality CPR. Assign team members roles. Speak calmly and avoid directing frustration at the team.

Discussing the Importance of Child-Specific CPR Training for Healthcare Providers

PALS courses provide healthcare providers with the specialized knowledge needed to effectively manage pediatric emergencies. Key topics include:

Child CPR Techniques

PALS teaches techniques tailored to pediatric patients, including proper hand placement, compression depth, ventilation volumes, and medication dosing. Hands-on practice builds skills.

Pediatric Choking Response

Children can easily choke on small objects. PALS reviews clearing airway obstructions through back blows, chest thrusts, and suction for infants and children.

Pediatric Cardiac Arrhythmias

Children may experience irregular heart rhythms like SVT, ventricular fibrillation, and bradycardia. PALS provides ECG rhythm recognition and treatment protocols.

Post-Cardiac Arrest Care

CPR is one part of the pediatric chain of survival. PALS also covers post-cardiac arrest stabilization, transfer, and integrated care for best outcomes.

Team Dynamics

PALS emphasizes leadership, communication, and teamwork. Assigning roles and effectively managing a pediatric emergency response improves efficiency and reduces errors.

By completing PALS training, you will gain the specialized knowledge and skills necessary to deliver high-quality CPR and effectively manage pediatric respiratory and cardiac emergencies. This can lead to improved outcomes for your young patients.

Tips for Dealing with Emotional Stress When Performing CPR on Children

Having to perform CPR on a pediatric patient can be an emotionally difficult and stressful experience. Here are some tips to help you provide high-quality CPR even under stressful circumstances:


  • Stay focused on the task: Block out distractions and emotions. Stick to the established PALS protocol and focus on delivering proper compressions, airway management, medications, etc.

  • Assign team member roles: Clear roles and responsibilities create structure. The team leader should oversee CPR quality, analyze rhythm, communicate with family, etc.

  • Communicate clearly and calmly: Use closed-loop communication. Ask for equipment and task updates. Avoid shouting.

  • Be compassionate with yourself/team: Recognize that stress reactions are normal. Offer words of reassurance. Debrief after the event.

  • Utilize available resources: Social workers, chaplains, and counselors can provide additional emotional support if needed.

  • Reflect after: Think through your actions objectively after the fact. Consider any process improvements or additional training.

  • Lean on colleagues: Your fellow healthcare providers understand the challenges involved. Seek peer support and share lessons learned.


Providing the best possible CPR requires maintaining clinical objectivity and following PALS protocols. However, it is normal to experience emotional reactions when caring for critically ill or injured children. Using healthy coping strategies and team support can help you stay focused on your clinical goals.

Call to Action: Enroll in Pediatric Advanced Life Support Training in Columbus

As a healthcare provider in Columbus, ensuring you have proper training in pediatric emergency response should be a top priority. CPR Columbus offers American Heart Association-certified Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) courses to equip providers with child-specific CPR techniques, specialized medical knowledge, and team dynamics training.


Our experienced PALS instructors will thoroughly cover all aspects of the course curriculum and provide you with opportunities to practice key skills on manikins. You will finish the course feeling confident to lead an emergency response for infants and children.


Don't delay - enroll in a PALS certification in Columbus today to upgrade your lifesaving skills and improve outcomes for your young patients! Visit our website at acls-bls-columbus.com or call us at 614-321-2094 to register. Earn your PALS certification and meet your pediatric emergency training requirements with us.
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