PALS Algorithms

If a patient has a Return of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC) or palpable pulse after resuscitation, start post-resuscitation management immediately. The goals of this PALS algorithm in 2024 are supporting oxygenation and maximizing tissue and organ perfusion. This section provides a systematic approach to the post-resuscitation care algorithm.

Tachycardia is a heart rate higher than normal for a child’s age and activity level. Like bradycardia, tachycardia can be life-threatening for children and infants because of the impact on cardiac output. Learn the pediatric ACLS algorithm for tachycardia with adequate perfusion with ProMed.

This PALS algorithm describes the BLS sequence specifically for children and infants. There are differences when compared to the BLS sequence for adults. Infants are not a newborn but less than 1 year old. Children are older than 1 year old but younger than puberty.

There are slight differences between the one and two-rescuer algorithms for children and infants. This algorithm highlights what makes a two-rescuer situation unique.

The PALS Systematic Approach is designed to provide a complete and thorough approach to evaluating and treating an injured or critically ill child. This pediatric ACLS algorithm has several decision points and actions that must be committed to memory by PALS providers to ensure a high standard of care.

This algorithm outlines the decision tree for bradycardia, which is a heart rate (typically 60 BPM) lower than normal for a child’s age and activity level. It is often a sign of impending cardiac arrest in infants and children.

Cardiac arrest is the cessation of blood circulation due to absent or ineffective cardiac mechanical activity. Clinically, the patient is unresponsive, not breathing or only gasping, and there is no detectable pulse. Cerebral hypoxia causes LOC and failure to breathe. Agonal breaths may be observed during the first minutes after cardiac arrest.

Tachycardia is a heart rate higher than normal for a child’s age and activity level. Like bradycardia, tachycardia can be life-threatening for children and infants because of the impact on cardiac output. Learn the PALS algorithm in 2024 for tachycardia with poor perfusion with ProMed.