Blogs &#8211; orig

Renew your BLS certification with AMC today.

an online certification which is already invalid is displayed on a mobile phone screen with a red background to identify a BLS certificate

How Long Does BLS Certification Last?

BLS certification is valid for two years. This renewal cycle ensures your lifesaving knowledge—and your ability to perform skills like chest compressions, rescue breathing, and choking relief—remains fresh, effective, and aligned with the latest best practices.

When Should You Renew Your Basic Life Support Certification Online?

The best time to renew your BLS certificate is before it expires. While your card is valid for two years, it’s recommended that you plan to update your certification within six months of the expiration date.

Renewing early offers several advantages:

No lapse in credentials – Many healthcare employers require active certification at all times. Waiting until your card expires could put your job responsibilities and even your employment status at risk.
Required for key professions – Doctors, nurses, EMTs, paramedics, dentists, physical therapists, firefighters, police officers, and even teachers or coaches are often required to maintain current BLS certification.
Career value – Certifications like BLS can make you more competitive in the workforce. Since employers often look for active credentials when hiring, being certified can open the door to more job opportunities, advancement potential, and in some cases, higher pay.
Less stress, more flexibility – Renewing early gives you time to choose the course format that fits your schedule, rather than scrambling t figure it out at the last minute.

Why It’s Important to Keep Your BLS Certification Up-to-Date

Renewing on time matters because it:

Keeps Role Eligibility – Nurses, doctors, EMTs, dentists, firefighters, and other professionals are often required to hold active BLS certification to perform their duties.
Ensures Compliance – Employers and accrediting bodies expect proof of current certification. Renewing early helps you stay compliant with no lapses.
Prepares You for Any Emergency – Skills like CPR and AED use fade without practice. Renewal reinforces your knowledge so you can respond confidently.
Avoids Employment Disruptions – In healthcare and public safety settings, an expired certification may mean suspension from work until you’re renewed.
Enhances Skills and Confidence – Each renewal brings updated guidelines, ensuring you’re practicing the most effective methods.
Provides Proof of Certification – Many job opportunities, audits, and promotions require a valid card. Staying current keeps you competitive in the workforce.

What Happens If Your BLS Certification Expires?

Allowing your BLS certification to expire can have serious consequences for your career and your ability to assist in emergencies. Here’s what you might face if you don’t renew on time:

Your Responsibilities Could be Limited
Many healthcare facilities restrict what you can do if your certification isn’t current. If you can’t prove you recently completed Basic Life Support training, you may be barred from performing certain patient care tasks or responding in emergencies.

Suspension from Work
Employers in healthcare and public safety often require all staff to maintain active BLS certification. If yours lapses, you could be suspended from shifts or even removed from your position entirely.

Retake of Full Course
If you allow your certification to expire, there’s a good chance you’ll have to retake the full BLS certification course from the beginning, which can cost more and take additional time.

How to Know if Your BLS Certification Is Still Valid

Not sure when your certification expires? Here are the easiest ways to confirm your status:

Check with Your Training Provider

Most accredited providers keep digital records of your certification. Log in to your training account or contact the provider directly to confirm your expiration date. Many organizations now issue digital certificates that can be accessed anytime.

Validate the ID Number on Your BLS Card

Every BLS certification card includes a unique ID number. You can use this number to verify validity through your provider’s website or support team. The expiration date is often printed directly on the card for quick reference.

How to Renew Your BLS Certification

Renewing your BLS certification is a straightforward process, but it’s important to follow the right steps so your renewal is accepted by employers and licensing boards. Here’s how to do it:

1. Confirm Your Eligibility for Renewal

Most providers allow a shorter, faster renewal course if your certification is still valid or has only recently expired. If your card is past its grace period, you may need to take the full BLS certification course again. Always check your provider’s rules so you know which path applies to you.

2. Choose a Renewal Format

In-Person Renewal: Ideal if you prefer hands-on practice, real-time feedback from instructors, or if your employer specifically requires in-person testing.
Online Renewal: A flexible option for busy professionals. AMC offers a trusted online BLS renewal course that you can complete at your own pace, with video demonstrations, skills tests, and self-evaluation resources available anytime.

3. Verify Accreditation
Make sure the provider is accredited and recognized in healthcare settings. Choosing a respected provider like AMC means your certification will be accepted nationwide and meets the latest 2020–2025 ILCOR guidelines.

4. Complete the Coursework and Exam
Renewal courses typically take a few hours. You’ll review updated guidelines, practice key skills, and complete a written or online exam. At AMC, you’ll need a score of 80% or higher to pass, but you can retake the test as many times as needed at no extra cost.

5. Consider Bundling With CEU Credits
Many healthcare professionals need Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to maintain their licenses. Choosing a BLS renewal course that offers CEU credit can help you meet two requirements at once, saving you both time and money.

First-Time vs Renewal BLS Courses: What’s the Difference?

First-Time Certification
If this is your initial certification – or if your certification has been expired for too long – you’ll need to complete the full BLS certification course. This version is more comprehensive and walks you through every element of Basic Life Support, from adult, child, and infant CPR to AED use, airway management, and choking relief.

Renewal Certification
If your current certification is still valid (or only recently expired), you may qualify for a shorter, less intensive renewal course. AMC’s renewal option is fast, simple, and completely online, often taking less than an hour to finish. You’ll review updated guidelines, refresh your core skills, and pass the exam to extend your certification for another two years. With AMC, there’s no clinical skills test required, free unlimited exam retakes, and you’ll get your digital provider card instantly upon passing.

Don’t Miss Your BLS Expiration Date

With a two-year renewal cycle, the best way to stay compliant, confident, and career-ready is to check your expiration date and renew before it lapses. Take a moment right now to look at your certification card. Is it close to expiring? If so, it’s time to begin that renewal process.

AMC makes it simple with a 100% online BLS Renewal Course that’s fast, accredited, and trusted by healthcare professionals nationwide. You’ll get instant proof of certification, free unlimited exam retakes, and up to 4 AMA Category 1 Credits™.

About Greta

Greta is a dedicated life saver and a distinguished expert in the field of medical content creation and editing. Her impressive array of certifications in ACLS, CPR, PALS, and BLS underscores her commitment to excellence in the medical field. With over four years of invaluable experience in medical education, Greta plays an indispensable role within the Advanced Medical Certification team, shaping the way healthcare professionals around the world acquire and apply vital knowledge.

Greta's profound expertise serves as the driving force behind the development and distribution of medical content that has significantly enhanced the capabilities of countless healthcare practitioners across the globe.

In addition to her medical qualifications, Greta holds a prestigious academic distinction in Marketing and Global Business from Vilnius University. Her academic journey has been enriched by immersive studies in Slovakia and Portugal during her time as an exchange student, providing her with a global perspective that complements her medical expertise.

Beyond her professional commitments, Greta possesses a genuine passion for global exploration, with a particular focus on immersing herself in diverse cultures and appreciating the intricacies of the natural world. While residing in Vilnius, Lithuania, she continues to make substantial contributions to the field of medical education, leaving an indelible mark on the sector.

Reach out to Greta at greta.kviklyte@advmedcert.com.

Keep reading

BLS training dummy used by two medical personnel

What Does Basic Life Support (BLS) Stand For?

AMC F- Ambulance for BLS, ACLS, CPR emergency response

ACLS vs. ALS

Three medical personnel practice ACLS on a medical mannequin for medical course training

ACLS vs. CPR

What Does Basic Life Support (BLS) Stand For?

by Greta Kviklyte

Life Saver, AMC

Co-authored by Kim Murray, RN, M.S.

posted on Sep 18, 2025, at 3:41 pm

When a Carson City ninth-grader performed CPR on her father after he collapsed at home, she put her classroom training into action and saved his life. Stories like hers demonstrate that when a rescuer has life-saving skills, it can truly mean the difference between tragedy and survival.

BLS stands for Basic Life Support, the essential emergency care given to someone experiencing a life-threatening condition such as cardiac arrest, choking, or respiratory distress. The purpose of BLS is to keep a person alive by maintaining their breathing and circulation until proper medical treatment is available.

We offer Online CPR and BLS Certification

The interventions taught in a BLS course form the foundation of emergency response. Whether in a hospital, an ambulance, or an everyday setting, BLS provides the critical bridge between the onset of a medical emergency and the arrival of advanced care.

What Does BLS Stand for in Healthcare and Medicine?

Basic Life Support is a universal standard of care and a common language across healthcare settings designed to increase a patient’s chance of survival. When you hold a certification in BLS, it signifies your readiness to respond in critical moments.

You’ll hear the term BLS frequently in:

Nursing and hospital care – Nurses and physicians use BLS protocols as the first step in responding to cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, or airway obstruction before more advanced interventions are applied.
Emergency medical services (EMS) – Paramedics and EMTs rely on BLS skills in the field, often as the first line of defense while transporting patients to hospitals or other settings that allow for higher levels of care.
Clinics and outpatient centers – From urgent care facilities to specialty practices, BLS training ensures staff are prepared to stabilize patients until emergency responders arrive.
Community health settings – School nurses, long-term care staff, and other healthcare professionals regularly refresh their BLS certification so they can respond appropriately to emergencies in their workplaces.

Examples of Emergency Response Using BLS

The following techniques are at the heart of Basic Life Support training:

High-quality CPR techniques – Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) combines chest compressions and rescue breaths to keep blood and oxygen circulating when the heart stops beating effectively..

A recent example illustrates just how powerful this skill can be. Ella McCauley, a 21-year-old restaurant manager, had completed a first aid course only four days before a customer collapsed from sudden cardiac arrest. Though terrified, she immediately began chest compressions and kept them going until paramedics arrived with a defibrillator. Thanks to her quick action, the man survived, proving that CPR, learned in training, can truly save lives when every second counts.

Automated External Defibrillator (AED) usage – An AED delivers a controlled shock to restore a normal heart rhythm during sudden cardiac arrest. BLS training covers how to operate the device and integrate it into CPR for maximum effectiveness.

Airway management support – Keeping the airway open is essential when a patient cannot breathe independently. BLS training teaches simple but effective maneuvers like the head-tilt-chin-lift or jaw-thrust, as well as the use of barrier devices or bag-valve masks.

Together, these core components form the backbone of Basic Life Support and allow you to provide a rapid, structured response in the critical first minutes of a medical emergency

Why Understanding Components of BLS Matters

Basic Life Support forms the foundation of what is known as the “Chain of Survival,” which is a series of steps that give someone the best chance at recovery from sudden, life-threatening emergencies. The first critical minutes after collapse are often the most decisive, and the components of BLS form the immediate response you need to perform to keep oxygen and blood circulating until advanced treatment is possible.

In an emergency, such as cardiac arrest, survival rates drop sharply with every minute that passes without CPR or defibrillation. By beginning high-quality chest compressions, managing the airway, and using an AED when needed, BLS responders can sustain life until paramedics or hospital staff are on the scene to take over.

A BLS certification is also a uniform, professional standard for healthcare workers. Nurses, physicians, paramedics, EMTs, and many other medical professionals are required to maintain certification as proof that they still have basic life support skills.

It doesn’t just stop in healthcare either, as BLS certification is increasingly relevant for educators, coaches, workplace safety officers, and others who interact with the public. In emergencies where professional responders may not yet be on scene, certified individuals can step in and make a life-saving difference.

What Skills Are Included in Basic Life Support?

High-quality CPR – Learn the proper depth, rate, and hand placement for chest compressions to keep blood and oxygen moving when the heart has stopped.
Rescue breathing – Practice delivering breaths safely and effectively, whether through mouth-to-mouth or using barrier devices and bag-valve masks.
AED usage – Get trained to recognize when an Automated External Defibrillator is needed and how to operate it to restore a normal heart rhythm.
Airway management – Master simple but vital techniques like the head-tilt-chin-lift or jaw-thrust maneuver to keep the airway clear and respond to choking emergencies.
Scene and victim assessment – Build confidence in quickly evaluating a situation, ensuring safety, and identifying the immediate care a patient needs.
Adult vs. pediatric response – Understand how to adapt CPR and rescue techniques for adults, children, and infants to provide age-appropriate care.

Common Questions About the BLS Certification Course

One of the biggest questions people ask is whether BLS and CPR are the same thing. The answer is no. CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is a core component of BLS training, but a BLS certification course encompasses much more. This distinction is important because it helps clarify who each type of training is designed for and what you’ll actually learn.

To make the differences clearer, here’s a quick comparison:

Feature	Basic Life Support (BLS)	Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Level of Care	Includes CPR plus AED use, airway management, and victim assessment	Focuses mainly on chest compressions and rescue breaths
Target Audience	Designed for healthcare providers and first responders (nurses, EMTs, physicians, etc.)	Designed for the general public (parents, teachers, coaches, caregivers)
Requirements	Requires structured training and an exam to verify competency	Often taught as a shorter, practical skills session
Professional Recognition	Recognized by employers as a professional credential in healthcare	Typically a workplace safety or first-aid certification

Adding to the confusion between the two, some job listings simply state “BLS certification required” without explaining that they’re distinguishing it a CPR or first aid course. For medical professionals, this requirement almost always refers to the more advanced BLS credential. But for those outside healthcare, it’s easy to assume a CPR or basic first-aid course is the same thing. Knowing the difference matters if you’re applying for roles in hospitals, EMS, or clinical settings where employers require full BLS certification.

Why Medical Jobs Often Require BLS certification, Not Just CPR

For healthcare professionals, a CPR card alone isn’t enough. Employers nearly always require BLS certification because it reflects a broader, more advanced set of skills tailored to clinical environments. While CPR teaches the basics of chest compressions and rescue breathing, BLS has a broader and deeper scope that covers the protocols, teamwork, and coordination required in real-world medical settings like hospitals, ICUs, and emergency departments.

In these environments, emergencies often escalate to Code Blue scenarios, where a patient suffers cardiac or respiratory arrest and the outcome depends on how well a team responds. BLS training prepares providers to work within a coordinated team, performing compressions, delivering ventilations, operating a defibrillator, and communicating effectively under pressure. This emphasis on collaboration is what makes BLS essential for modern healthcare practice.

Hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities also require BLS certification as part of their compliance standards. Beyond workplace requirements, BLS is frequently tied to licensure and credentialing. Nurses, physicians, paramedics, and other licensed professionals must show proof of current BLS certification not only to practice but also to qualify for advanced credentials such as ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) andPALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support).

Your BLS Journey Begins Here

If you’re ready to build life-saving confidence, AMC makes it simple. Our 100% online BLS certification and recertification courses are fast, fully accredited, and designed by physicians. You’ll earn a nationally accepted provider card, gain access to exclusive study materials, and even be eligible for AMA Category 1 Credits™.

Don’t wait for an emergency to wish you had the training. Take action today. Explore AMC’s BLS certification options, dive into our blog for more resources, and equip yourself with the skills that save lives.

About Greta

Reach out to Greta at greta.kviklyte@advmedcert.com.

Keep reading

What Does Basic Life Support (BLS) Stand For?

ACLS vs. ALS

ACLS vs. CPR

Double Sequential AED

by Greta Kviklyte

Life Saver, AMC

Co-authored by Kim Murray, RN, M.S.

posted on Sep 15, 2025, at 5:56 am

Double sequential defibrillation, also called double sequential external defibrillation (DSED) or dual sequential defibrillation, is an advanced resuscitation technique that has sparked growing debate in emergency medicine. Unlike standard defibrillation, which delivers a single shock from one defibrillator, DSED uses two defibrillators in rapid succession, sending electrical currents through the heart from different vectors.

The technique is considered for refractory ventricular fibrillation (VF), a dangerous, chaotic rhythm where the heart quivers instead of pumping blood. Refractory VF occurs when a patient does not respond after at least three standard shocks. Mortality rates in this group are extremely high, making it one of the most urgent and difficult problems in cardiac arrest management.

We offer Online CPR and BLS Certification

Because of this, clinicians and researchers are exploring whether DSED can improve survival and neurological outcomes in patients who fail to respond to conventional approaches. The 2022 DOSE-VF randomized trial suggested potential benefits, prompting a global debate on its viability as an advanced resuscitation technique.

What is Double Sequential AED (DSED)?

Double Sequential AED is an advanced technique that differs from the standard single-shock approach. In routine cardiac arrest care, one automated external defibrillator (AED) or manual defibrillator delivers a single electrical shock through pads placed on the chest. With DSED, however, two defibrillators are used in rapid sequence, delivering back-to-back shocks intended to stop chaotic electrical activity in the heart and allow a normal rhythm to resume.

How it Works: Mechanism of AED

DSED is based on the principle that refractory ventricular fibrillation may require more than a single vector of energy to reset the heart. Instead of one electrical pathway, two defibrillators create multiple shock vectors that increase the chances of depolarizing enough heart muscle to terminate fibrillation.

One set of pads is typically placed in the anterolateral position (below the right clavicle and on the left side of the chest). The second set is placed in an anteroposterior position (front and back), though other combinations are possible depending on equipment and clinical judgment.

Through these placements, the shocks travel through the heart from different directions, which is a concept known as vector change. This broader myocardial capture is what sets DSED apart from standard defibrillation, offering a potential advantage when conventional single shocks have failed.

Current Standing in Medical Guidelines

In 2023, the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation updated its recommendations to acknowledge double sequential external defibrillation as a potential option for patients who remain in VF after three or more standard shocks. It was the first time a major resuscitation body has recognized DSED as a strategy worth considering in advanced cardiac arrest care.

That said, ILCOR’s language is measured. The recommendation is weak and based on low-certainty evidence, drawn primarily from a single randomized trial and limited observational data. ILCOR emphasizes that DSED should be seen as an emerging technique, not a proven standard.

Despite ILCOR’s acknowledgment, DSED has not been incorporated into the current Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) algorithms, and other resuscitation agencies remain cautious. Groups such as the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) have not recommended routine use of DSED, citing the limited evidence base, small sample sizes, and the logistical challenge of requiring two defibrillators in the field.

Standard defibrillation remains the cornerstone of shockable rhythm management, with DSED reserved for exceptional cases under local protocols. This underscores the need for caution: premature adoption without broad evidence may create inconsistency and confusion in resuscitation practice.

Dual Sequential Defibrillation Controversies & Safety Considerations

DSED has generated significant interest as an alternative strategy for refractory ventricular fibrillation, but it carries complex controversies and safety considerations that must be carefully weighed in clinical practice.

One key debate centers on whether DSED should involve simultaneous or sequential shocks. Simultaneous shocks, where two defibrillators fire exactly together, may risk electrical waveform overlap and even potential equipment damage. In contrast, sequential shocks delivered moments apart are thought to minimize such risks while still harnessing the theoretical benefit of dual energy vectors.

Other concerns include:

Replicability

While the landmark DOSE-VF trial demonstrated promising outcomes, it was conducted exclusively across six Canadian paramedic services. Whether such results can be replicated across different regions, ambulance systems, and patient populations remains an open question demanding further study.

Patient Risks

Using two defibrillators raises theoretical concerns about myocardial injury, as delivering higher cumulative energies or multiple shock vectors could potentially damage heart tissue.

Provider & Device Safety

Coordinating two defibrillators adds to the complexity of care in high-stress arrest situations. There is potential for synchronization errors that could endanger both patient and equipment.

Spotlight: The DOSE-VF Trial (2022)

The landmark DOSE-VF cluster-randomized trial compared three strategies – standard defibrillation, vector-change (VC) defibrillation, and DSED – in adults with refractory VF during out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

The trial enrolled 405 patients across six Canadian paramedic services using a cluster crossover design. Patients in VF after three standard shocks were randomized by paramedic service to one of the three defibrillation strategies.

Key Outcomes:

Survival to hospital discharge: 30.4% with DSED vs. 13.3% with standard defibrillation
DSED also outperformed standard defibrillation in ROSC rates (46.4% vs. 26.5%) and neurologically favorable surviva27.4% vs. 11.2%

Unfortunately, the trial was halted early due to the COVID-19 pandemic, enrolling only 405 of the planned 930 patients, which has raised concerns about the validity of the statistics and an overestimation of benefits. The cluster design also introduces risk of imbalance and confounding, while analysis tools may not fully adjust for multiplicity.

Despite these limitations, DOSE-VF remains the most robust evidence to date, clearly signaling that DSED merits further investigation while stopping short of cementing it as standard care.

When to Use Double Sequential AED

DSED is a rescue strategy best considered in scenarios such as: witnessed OHCA with early CPR and persistent VF after three shocks; recurrent VF despite transient ROSC where vector change hasn’t helped; or prolonged arrests where high-quality basics are intact but the rhythm remains stubbornly shockable.

Prehospital use (EMS): Deployment in the field depends on having two defibrillators available and a team trained to coordinate charging and sequential delivery without prolonging hands-off time.

In-hospital use: Hospitals provide a more controlled environment with advanced monitoring and rapid confirmation of refractory versus recurrent VF. Ready access to additional defibrillators and post-shock assessment can streamline delivery, but teams should still pre-assign roles, rehearse the AED sequence, and document settings and timing.

Across settings, the decision to use DSED should proceed only when sequential shocks can be delivered with minimal interruption, after first-line measures are optimized, and within established protocols.

Double Sequence Defibrillation: Step-by-Step

The following guide reflects the method described in the ILCOR draft Consensus on Science and Treatment Recommendations (CoSTR, 2023), as well as the protocol used in the DOSE-VF randomized trial. It represents the best currently available evidence for how double sequential external defibrillation should be performed in cases of refractory ventricular fibrillation.

Step 1: Prepare Equipment

Obtain two defibrillators, each with its own set of pads. Confirm both devices are functioning and can deliver biphasic shocks at standard energy (typically 200 J).

Step 2: Apply Pads

Place the first set of pads in the standard anterolateral position (below the right clavicle and the left lateral chest). Place the second set in the anteroposterior position (front of chest and back), taking care that pads do not overlap so as to prevent electrical feedback between devices.

Step 3: Charge Both Defibrillators

Charge the devices to the recommended biphasic energy setting (typically 200 joules each), unless device-specific protocols suggest otherwise.

Step 4: Deliver Sequential Shocks

Designate one operator to trigger both shocks in rapid sequence, pressing the shock buttons milliseconds apart.

Step 5: Resume Chest Compressions

Resume chest compressions immediately after shocks, keeping pre- and post-shock pauses under 10 seconds. Reassess rhythm at the next pulse check per standard ACLS protocol.

Step 6: Repeat or Transition if Needed

If ventricular fibrillation persists, follow local protocols regarding repeat attempts or transition to alternative therapies. Then, continue advanced post-resuscitation care if ROSC is achieved.

Guidelines & Ethical Considerations

Despite the inclusion of DSED in ILCOR’s 2023 draft recommendations, the language reflects uncertainty in that the recommendation is weak, supported by low-certainty evidence, and clearly framed as conditional rather than definitive.

This careful stance highlights the ethical balance between innovation and protocol adherence. On one hand, DSED offers hope in scenarios where conventional methods almost always fail, raising the possibility of saving lives otherwise lost. On the other, introducing a complex intervention prematurely risks undermining standardized training and protocols that guide thousands of responders worldwide.

Practical limitations deepen the ethical debate. DSED requires two defibrillators, a resource not always available in the field. Paramedic crews may only have access to one device, and coordinating the arrival of a second unit introduces delays that could cancel out any potential benefit. In hospitals, where additional devices are on hand and advanced monitoring is available, DSED is easier to perform safely, but even there, many providers have not been trained in the technique. The training gap among medics, nurses, and physicians is real and raises questions about whether the procedure should be promoted before widespread education and competency programs are in place.

There is also the question of positioning DSED as a “last-resort” intervention versus a mainstream strategy. Some experts argue that it should only be attempted when all standard measures are exhausted, treating it as an experimental maneuver for otherwise unsalvageable arrests. Until further large-scale studies replicate the survival benefits seen in the DOSE-VF trial, most guideline committees are holding to the conservative view: DSED is worth exploring, but not ready for widespread inclusion in core algorithms.

The Future of Double Sequential AED

As resuscitation science evolves, researchers are already asking what lies beyond double sequential shocks. Some experimental systems have explored triple-sequential protocols, though these remain highly theoretical and far from clinical practice. Meanwhile, device manufacturers such as Zoll and others are examining whether advances in defibrillator technology could automate vector change or sequence delivery, reducing the complexity of coordinating multiple devices in real time.

What remains clear is that the field faces major research gaps. The DOSE-VF trial provided important early evidence, but further randomized controlled trials are needed to validate its findings across different EMS systems, hospitals, and patient populations. Equally important are studies on long-term safety outcomes, including myocardial injury risk, neurological recovery, and device performance over time.

Finally, the challenge of global adoption looms large. Systems with limited resources may struggle to deploy two defibrillators at every arrest, while regions with advanced infrastructure will need training programs and protocols to ensure consistency. The next decade will likely determine whether DSED becomes a mainstream intervention or remains a specialized, last-resort measure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do you place the pads for DSED?

One set is placed in the standard anterolateral position and the second in the anteroposterior position to create different shock vectors.
How many joules do you use?
Each defibrillator is typically charged to the standard biphasic setting, usually 200 J.
Is triple-sequential defibrillation real?
It has been described in experimental discussions, but there is no evidence or guideline support for using three defibrillators in practice.

What is DSED in ACLS?

Currently, DSED is not part of the ACLS algorithm. It is considered an experimental or last-resort strategy for refractory VF, and its use depends on local protocols.

Balancing Promise With Caution

Early evidence suggests DSED may improve outcomes in otherwise fatal cases of refractory ventricular fibrillation, but its role remains unsettled. The evidence base is still small, and major resuscitation bodies outside ILCOR have not endorsed it for routine use.

For now, DSED should be viewed as a promising but experimental strategy, not a replacement for proven interventions. Clinicians should stay informed as new research emerges and practice within the bounds of their system’s training and oversight. Above all, always follow the latest ACLS and EMS protocols in your region, and consult with your medical director before attempting emerging techniques like DSED.

About Greta

Reach out to Greta at greta.kviklyte@advmedcert.com.

Keep reading

What Does Basic Life Support (BLS) Stand For?

ACLS vs. ALS

ACLS vs. CPR

ACLS vs. ATLS

by Greta Kviklyte

Life Saver, AMC

Co-authored by Kim Murray, RN, M.S.

posted on Sep 11, 2025, at 4:20 pm

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) are advanced, evidence-based protocols that help healthcare professionals respond to life-threatening emergencies. While they are often mentioned in the same context, they are designed for very different clinical situations: cardiac crises versus trauma care.

What is ACLS?

Advanced Cardiac Life Support is a professional certification that focuses on urgent, life-threatening cardiac conditions. ACLS builds on the concepts introduced in the Basic Life Support (BLS) course by teaching providers how to recognize and respond to internal medical emergencies that compromise the heart and lungs.

We offer Online CPR and BLS Certification

In an ACLS course, clinicians learn how to use ECGs, administer emergency medications, perform advanced airway management, and deliver defibrillation to restore heart function.

What is ATLS?

Since 1980, the Advanced Trauma Life Support program has taught attendees a systematic framework for evaluating and stabilizing patients with severe injuries. ATLS training teaches you to prioritize life-threatening trauma and take all steps necessary to prevent further harm.

Together, ACLS and ATLS give providers the tools to handle two of the most urgent and high-stakes scenarios in healthcare: cardiac emergencies and traumatic injuries.

Key Differences: ACLS vs ATLS

Although both ACLS and ATLS give healthcare professionals structured, evidence-based methods to respond in emergencies, they are designed for very different clinical situations.

Primary Life Threats

ACLS: The priority in ACLS is recognizing and treating sudden cardiac arrest, where the heart stops pumping blood; life-threatening arrhythmias, such as ventricular fibrillation or tachycardia, and airway or respiratory emergencies that threaten oxygen delivery to the brain and vital organs. The goal of ACLS is to restore circulation and breathing as quickly as possible and prevent secondary organ damage.

ATLS: In contrast, ATLS focuses on external physical trauma that leads to catastrophic injuries. Providers learn to manage blunt and penetrating trauma (e.g., car accidents, falls, gunshot wounds), uncontrolled hemorrhage that can rapidly cause shock and death, and fractures or injuries that complicate stabilization.

Assessment Priorities

ACLS: Guided by the “5 Hs and 5 Ts,” ACLS assessments center on identifying and correcting reversible cardiac causes. Providers rely heavily on ECG interpretation, cardiac monitoring, and rhythm-based interventions such as defibrillation.

ATLS: ATLS uses a systematic survey approach (broken into primary, secondary, and tertiary) to uncover and prioritize trauma-related injuries. Trauma scoring and rapid evaluation ensure that no life-threatening injury is missed while stabilizing the patient.

Protocols & Team Dynamics

ACLS: Protocols in ACLS are standardized, evidence-based algorithms that guide providers step-by-step during cardiac emergencies. These include delivering high-quality CPR, using defibrillation for shockable rhythms, securing the airway through advanced techniques, and administering medications through IV or IO access. Once circulation is restored, ACLS also covers post-return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) care, such as optimizing oxygenation, blood pressure, and neurological protection. These protocols ensure that every provider on the team knows their role, from chest compressions to medication delivery, with the code team leader coordinating the sequence of interventions.

ATLS: ATLS protocols provide a systematic roadmap for stabilizing trauma patients. They emphasize airway protection in the presence of injury, rapid hemorrhage and shock control, and immediate fracture management through splinting or immobilization to prevent further damage. Unlike ACLS, which is often confined to controlled hospital environments, ATLS protocols extend into prehospital care settings like ambulances, helicopters, and in the field, where providers must make quick triage decisions and coordinate transfer to surgical teams. Team dynamics often involve surgeons, ER doctors, trauma nurses, and EMS personnel working together to maintain continuity of care from the scene of injury through stabilization in a facility and, if needed, into the operating room.

ACLS vs ATLS Skills in Hospitals & Prehospital Settings

ACLS and ATLS both give healthcare providers the tools to act quickly in emergencies, but they are applied in very different clinical and logistical contexts.

ACLS in EMS and Hospitals

In the prehospital setting, ACLS is primarily used by paramedics and EMS providers. In hospitals, ACLS is most often practiced in the ICU and emergency department, where code teams coordinate defibrillation, advanced ventilation, and post-resuscitation care. The focus is cardiac-centric: restoring circulation and preventing secondary injury to the brain and other vital organs.

ATLS in Trauma Transport and Field Care

In the prehospital environment, EMS providers and trauma teams emphasize spinal immobilization, airway control, and rapid hemorrhage management. The “golden hour” concept underlines the urgency of getting trauma patients stabilized and transferred to definitive care as quickly as possible. ATLS equips providers to identify hidden injuries, prevent shock, and maintain airway patency even in challenging environments.

Air vs. Ground Transport Use Cases

ACLS focuses on maintaining circulation and oxygenation using CPR, cardiac monitoring, and drug administration on patients during ground ambulance transfer. ATLS, by contrast, often determines whether ground or air transport is most appropriate for severely injured trauma patients. In rural or remote areas, helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft may be the fastest way to reach a trauma center within the “golden hour.”

Because transport teams may encounter either a cardiac emergency or a major trauma, certain roles demand competency in both protocols. Flight medics are a prime example as they may be called to resuscitate a patient in cardiac arrest one day and stabilize a severely injured crash victim the next. Similarly, trauma surgeons often need ATLS training for injury management, but ACLS certification ensures they are equally prepared to respond if a trauma patient develops a cardiac arrest in the operating room or ICU.

Team Coordination & Resource Allocation:

ACLS protocols revolve around tightly coordinated code teams in the ER or ICU. These teams are typically led by a physician or senior nurse who directs compressions, airway management, rhythm checks, and drug administration in precise sequence.

ATLS requires a broader, multidisciplinary approach. Trauma care teams often include surgeons, anesthesiologists, trauma nurses, and EMS providers who begin treatment in the field, continue resuscitation in the emergency department, and prepare injured patients for operative or critical care.

Training Course & Certification Requirements

Aspect	ACLS	ATLS
Prerequisites	Requires prior BLS certification; healthcare provider status	Medical degree (physicians) or advanced EMS background
Training Focus	ECG interpretation and arrhythmia recognition Advanced airway management and ventilation Defibrillation techniques Cardiac pharmacology Post-resuscitation care	Trauma case simulations Emergency surgical scenario training Airway and chest injury management Hemorrhage and shock control Splinting and immobilization
Duration	Typically 1–2 days (AMC’s online course can be completed in under an hour)	2–3 days, including lectures, skills labs, and practical simulation exams
Recertification	Every 2 years	Every 4 years (varies by country or institution)
Certifying Body	AMC (Advanced Medical Certification), aligned with ILCOR guidelines	American College of Surgeons (ACS) Committee on Trauma

When Do Healthcare Professionals Need ACLS vs ATLS?

When Will You Need ACLS?

ACLS certification is a standard requirement in hospital and critical care environments where cardiac emergencies are common. Professionals who typically need ACLS include:

ICU, ER, operating room, and telemetry unit staff
Cardiologists and anesthesiologists
Respiratory therapists
Nurses and physicians managing cardiac patients
Designated code team members who respond to in-hospital cardiac episodes

When Will You Need Advanced Trauma Life Support?

ATLS certification is required for healthcare professionals who stabilize patients with life-threatening injuries before surgical care can be delivered, including:

Trauma surgeons and ER physicians
EMS providers and paramedics
Military medics and combat care teams
Providers in high-volume trauma centers or field hospitals
Clinicians working in austere or resource-limited environments

Choose the Right Life Support Certification

Life support training comes in different levels, and each prepares healthcare providers for specific clinical situations:

BLS serves as the foundation for all other advanced certifications by covering CPR, AED use, and choking relief.
ACLS focuses on specialized cardiovascular care for adults.
PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) is designed for providers caring for infants and children.
ALS (Advanced Life Support) is an umbrella term that, depending on the region, can encompass ACLS, PALS, trauma protocols like ATLS, and advanced EMS care.

At the end of the day, the right certification really depends on your role and the types of patients you care for most often. If you’re ready to manage emergencies in the ICU or trauma cases in the field, you can take the next step with the right training course.

Explore AMC’s ACLS Certification and Recertification courses or learn more about ATLS through the American College of Surgeons.

About Greta

Reach out to Greta at greta.kviklyte@advmedcert.com.

Keep reading

What Does Basic Life Support (BLS) Stand For?

ACLS vs. ALS

ACLS vs. CPR

ACLS vs. ALS

by Greta Kviklyte

Life Saver, AMC

Co-authored by Kim Murray, RN, M.S.

posted on Sep 11, 2025, at 3:18 pm

When researching advanced medical certifications, you’ll often see ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) and ALS (Advanced Life Support) used interchangeably. While they are closely related and do overlap in many cases, they don’t quite mean the same thing.

What is ACLS?

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support is designed to reach the best possible outcome for patients going through a life-threatening event. It teaches healthcare professionals evidence-based responses that are easy enough to memorize and use in stressful moments.

We offer Online CPR and BLS Certification

These ACLS guidelines and protocols have been put together through the experience of experts in the field, patient case studies, clinical studies, and years of research. The curriculum, which is published by the InternatTional Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR), is the gold standard in the United States and around the world.

What is ALS?

Advanced Life Support is the broader international term often used in countries like the UK, Australia, and by organizations such as the Red Cross. ALS covers the same advanced interventions as ACLS, but is not limited to cardiovascular emergencies. Instead, it emphasizes a more comprehensive resuscitation framework that integrates respiratory management, post-arrest care, and broader critical care interventions. ALS training also follows theILCOR guidelines and is sometimes considered the umbrella under which ACLS sits.

ACLS vs ALS: Key Differences

Let’s get deeper into the specific details that distinguish these two certifications.

ACLS is a specific program designed primarily for managing adult cardiac emergencies. It follows structured, protocol-driven training under the ILCORE guidelines.

ALS, on the other hand, is an broader, international term encompassing a wider range of advanced life-saving procedures. It includes ACLS-level interventions but can also extend to pediatric emergencies, trauma care, advanced airway management, and critical care interventions.

Feature	ACLS	ALS
Scope of Practice	Specific, protocol-driven program focused on cardiac emergencies	Broader umbrella covering ACLS, PALS, trauma, and advanced interventions
Primary Focus	Adult cardiac arrest, arrhythmias, acute coronary syndromes, stroke	Cardiac + pediatric resuscitation, trauma, airway, post-arrest care
Guidelines	ILCOR protocols	ILCOR, Resuscitation Council UK, Australia, global standards
Target Audience	U.S. healthcare providers (hospitals, clinics, emergency medicine)	Regional standard in UK, Australia, Europe; broader umbrella
Recognition	Widely required in the U.S. and internationally accepted	ALS is the wider category, but AMC’s ACLS courses meet and exceed international standards

Treatment Protocols

While both certifications train healthcare providers in resuscitation and advanced emergency care, the protocols differ slightly depending on the governing body:

Patient Conditions:
ACLS trains providers to treat adult cardiac arrest, tachycardia, arrhythmias, ACS, stroke
ALS focuses on providing care for cardiac emergencies but may also cover pediatric resuscitation, trauma, and advanced critical care scenarios
Medications Used:
ACLS emphasizes cardiovascular drugs such as epinephrine, amiodarone, adenosine, and vasopressors
ALS may include the same medications plus additional pharmacology for airway, trauma, and pediatric-specific interventions
Equipment Required:
ACLS teaches about ECG monitors, defibrillators, advanced airways, IV/IO access tools
ALS trains on all of the above, with potential additions for broader resuscitation and trauma management

Certification Differences

Although ACLS and ALS prepare providers for similar types of emergencies, the certification pathways differ in scope, skill set, and delivery. ACLS certification is concentrated on adult cardiac emergencies. The curriculum covers cardiac arrest management, advanced airway techniques, arrhythmia recognition, defibrillation and cardioversion, pharmacology, and post-cardiac arrest care. In short, it’s designed for healthcare providers in acute and emergency care settings.

ALS certification encompasses everything that ACLS covers while extending its scope to incorporate PALS-level pediatric resuscitation modules, trauma response scenarios, and field stabilization skills.

Getting an ACLS Certification

Advanced Cardiac Life Support focuses on algorithmic interventions for adult patients, including delivering chest compressions, advanced airway management, ECG interpretation, IV/IO access, defibrillation, cardioversion, and the administration of cardiovascular medications like epinephrine and amiodarone.

You can complete AMC’s ACLS online certification in as little as an hour, though most learners take several hours to review the study guides, videos, and algorithms in detail. Our course awards up to 8 AMA Category 1 Credits™, is compliant with current ILCOR and Joint Commission standards, and includes unlimited exam retakes.

Also, AMC’s certifications are all accepted nationwide and internationally recognized, so you don’t have to worry about it being applicable to your role. We’ve designed our program to eliminate wasted time and to allow you train at your own pace with full access to support staff seven days a week.

Getting an ALS Certification

ALS certification provides a wider scope of practice that’s designed for critical care providers, paramedics, and physicians working in regions where ALS is the recognized framework. ALS courses vary in length depending on the provider and region, with classes often spanning multiple days.

Outside the U.S., ALS certification is commonly offered by the Resuscitation Council UK, Australian Resuscitation Council, and other ILCOR-affiliated organizations. In the U.S., ACLS is the primary advanced life support credential. AMC’s advanced cardiac life support course aligns with ILCOR standards, ensuring it meets or exceeds the competencies taught under international ALS designations.

What Are the Prerequisites and Requirements?

ACLS

You typically need to a have a current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification before enrolling
You should be a licensed healthcare professional, such as a physician, nurse, paramedic, anesthesiologist, or respiratory therapist working in hospitals or emergency settings.
Certification is valid for two years, after which recertification is required to stay current with evolving guidelines.

ALS

Assumes proficiency in BLS as a foundation.
Typically required for advanced practitioners in regions where ALS is the recognized standard.
Often applies to those with pediatric or trauma responsibilities, such as paramedics, flight medics, or critical care providers.
Certification validity and renewal requirements vary by country, but generally follow a two-year recertification cycle.
When Will You Need ACLS?
It’s standard for an ACLS certification to be a requirement for jobs in hospital and critical care environments, such as an emergency room (ER), intensive care unit (ICU), operating room (OR), and telemetry unit. That’s because the people who work in these settings face life-threatening cardiac emergencies every day and need to be able to quickly recognize and intervene when a patient is experiencing cardiac arrest, arrhythmias, and acute coronary syndromes.

ACLS is also required for nurses, physicians, anesthesiologists, respiratory therapists, and members of designated code teams. These are the people who are called to respond when a patient is experiencing an in-hospital cardiac emergency. Basically, ACLS certification is a baseline expectation for anyone involved in resuscitation and advanced cardiac care.

When Will You Need ALS?

ALS certification is most often required in prehospital and emergency response settings, where providers are the first line of defense in stabilizing patients before they reach the hospital. This includes EMS professionals, paramedics, flight nurses, critical care transport teams, and rescue personnel who manage patients in uncontrolled environments. The workers in these roles need to be trained in quickly securing an airway while in the field, delivering emergency medications, or providing life-saving defibrillation during patient transport. This certification is primarily for healthcare professionals across regions like the UK, Europe, and Australia.

Understanding Levels of Certification: ALS, ACLS, PALS, and BLS

Resuscitation training is structured in levels, with each certification designed for a specific scope of practice and patient population.

ALS (Advanced Life Support):

ALS serves as an umbrella term that can encompass multiple advanced programs, including ACLS, PALS, and, in some regions, trauma care. It represents the broader framework for advanced resuscitation training under international standards.

BLS (Basic Life Support):

BLS is the foundation for all healthcare providers. It covers core skills like high-quality CPR, use of an AED, and airway obstruction relief. This certification is a prerequisite for more advanced credentials and is required across almost every healthcare role.

ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support):

ACLS is focused on adult cardiovascular emergencies and builds on BLS skills by adding advanced airway management, ECG interpretation, pharmacology, and electrical therapies.

PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support):

PALS is designed for healthcare professionals caring for infants and children. It emphasizes pediatric-specific assessment, airway management, resuscitation, and team dynamics in pediatric emergencies.

Together, these certifications form a tiered training system, ensuring that providers have the right skills for their role.

Know the Certification That Matches Your Career

Broadly speaking, you’re going to need ACLS training if you work in the United States and ALS if you work in the UK, Australia, or Europe. For healthcare professionals in the U.S.m you can get the foundational skills of BLS, the adult cardiac focus of ACLS, or the pediatric expertise of PALS with AMC. Just choose the program that aligns with your career ensures you’re prepared for the emergency care scenarios you’ll face.

AMC makes it simple to get certified or recertified with online courses that are ILCOR-aligned, CME-accredited and accepted nationwide. With your courses, you get unlimited exam retakes, flexible pacing, and the training to help you meet employer requirements and provide life-saving care. We invite you to start your certification today:

Learn more about ACLS Certification
Explore AMC’s full range of Online Certification Courses
Visit the AMC Home Page for additional resources and bundles

Take the next step with AMC and choose the certification pathway that best best equips you for emergency care scenarios.

About Greta

Reach out to Greta at greta.kviklyte@advmedcert.com.

Keep reading

What Does Basic Life Support (BLS) Stand For?

ACLS vs. ALS

ACLS vs. CPR

ALS vs. BLS Ambulance Services

by Greta Kviklyte

Life Saver, AMC

Co-authored by Kim Murray, RN, M.S.

posted on Sep 11, 2025, at 8:09 am

In emergency medicine, care is often divided into two levels: Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS). Both are essential for saving lives, but they serve different purposes depending on the patient’s condition and the skills of the provider.

Basic Life Support focuses on the most fundamental lifesaving interventions. It teaches the basic skills designed to keep oxygen and blood flowing until more advanced medical care can take over. BLS is the universal starting point that is taught to healthcare providers, first responders, and even non-medical professionals who may encounter emergencies.

We offer Online CPR and BLS Certification

Three medical personnel for BLS, and ALS is standing outside an ambulance setting up a stretcher Advanced Life Support builds on BLS with more sophisticated interventions. Providers trained in ALS, such as paramedics, emergency nurses, and physicians, are equipped to stabilize patients in life-threatening situations such as cardiac arrest, stroke, or major trauma, often in the pre-hospital setting.

It’s important to note that these terms, ALS and BLS, also describe ambulance service levels. A BLS ambulance is typically staffed by EMTs who provide foundational, non-invasive care, while an ALS ambulance carries paramedics who can deliver advanced interventions on the way to the hospital. In other words, the certifications healthcare providers earn directly determine the scope of care available in the back of an ambulance.

ALS vs BLS Comparison

The distinction between Basic Life Support and Advanced Life Support primarily hinges on the skills of the providers, the interventions performed, and the type of patient each service is designed to support.

	Basic Life Support	Advanced Life Support
Patient & Skills Coverage	CPR AED use Basic airway maintenance Non-critical patient transport	Cardiac rhythm interpretation (ECG) IV/IO access & medication administration Advanced airway procedures & defibrillation Complex patient care during transport
Who Provides Care	EMTs, basic providers, first responders	Paramedics, ER nurses, critical care teams
When to Deploy	Stable patients with no immediate threat to life Airway, breathing, and circulation intact Conscious patients with low-acuity issues Transport to/from medical appointments or between facilities	Cardiac arrest or life-threatening emergencies Unstable vitals or severe trauma Need for advanced airway management Patients requiring medications or advanced monitoring

ALS Ambulances vs. BLS Ambulances

BLS: Transport for Basic Patient Care
BLS ambulances are staffed by EMTs and are intended for patients who are stable or need routine transport. Lower extremity fractures, individuals being transferred to sub-acute care facilities, psychiatric patients, and those discharged to home care are all cases that would be acceptable in a BLS ambulance.

These crews are not permitted to perform invasive procedures such as giving injections, administering medications, starting IV lines, or conducting cardiac monitoring. The ambulances are “basic” because they provide safe, non-invasive support until definitive care is available.

ALS: Advanced Care for Critical Patients
ALS ambulances, staffed by emergency medical personnel such as paramedics and EMTs, are designed for high-acuity patients who require close monitoring and advanced interventions. They carry equipment for airway support, cardiac life support, glucose testing, and a broad range of medications.

ALS crews are authorized to perform invasive procedures, including IV therapy, cardiac monitoring, and medication administration, to stabilize patients en route to a trauma center or hospital. Patients requiring ALS transport may be on chronic ventilators, need continuous IV drips, or require active cardiac monitoring while they are being transported to a hospital.

Certification Paths: BLS vs ALS

The training required for staff in BLS and ALS ambulances follows a natural progression. Basic Life Support certification is the foundation, and Advanced Life Support (ALS/ACLS) certification builds directly on those core skills.

BLS Certification
Every emergency provider begins here. BLS certification teaches high-quality CPR, the use of automated external defibrillators, basic airway management, and first aid skills. These abilities are essential for keeping patients alive and stable until advanced care arrives. In the ambulance setting, EMTs who hold BLS certification typically staff BLS units, where they care for stable patients or provide initial support in emergencies.

ALS Certification
Once BLS is mastered, providers can advance to ALS training, which is often referred to as Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) in hospital settings. This training builds on the basics with advanced pharmacology, cardiac rhythm interpretation, intravenous access, advanced airway management, and coordinated code response.

The terms ALS and ACLS are often used interchangeably, but there is a distinction:

ALS refers to the level of emergency care provided in pre-hospital and transport settings, such as on an ambulance.
ACLS is a specific certification course that prepares healthcare providers to respond to cardiac emergencies with advanced interventions.

An ACLS certification equips providers with the advanced skills needed to deliver ALS care. Paramedics, critical care nurses, and other advanced providers use these skills to staff ALS ambulances and manage high-acuity emergencies on the way to the hospital. AMC offers ACLS certification so that healthcare professionals are fully prepared to handle critical emergencies in both hospital and pre-hospital settings.

Certification paths are designed this way to ensure that the right provider is matched with the right ambulance service level. BLS-trained EMTs bring the universal skills needed for immediate stabilization, while ALS-trained providers bring advanced tools and interventions for the most critical cases. Together, they form the backbone of EMS systems, ensuring patients get the right care at the right time.

Common Questions Asked About ALS vs BLS

What is the difference between BLS and ALS?

Basic Life Support provides essential, non-invasive care such as CPR, chest compressions, AED use, and basic airway management. Advanced Life Support includes all of those skills but adds invasive procedures, medication administration, and advanced monitoring for critically ill or unstable patients.

What can ALS do that BLS can’t?

ALS-trained providers can perform advanced airway management (including intubation), interpret and monitor heart rhythms with an ECG, defibrillate with manual equipment, and administer IV or IO medications. These interventions can stabilize patients in cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, severe trauma, or other life-threatening emergencies—capabilities beyond the BLS scope.

Is ALS the same as paramedic?

Not exactly. ALS refers to the level of care delivered, while paramedics are the providers trained and authorized to deliver it. In most EMS systems, paramedics are the professionals staffing ALS ambulances, but ALS may also be provided by other advanced clinicians in certain settings (like ER nurses or physicians).

Does ALS training include CPR?

No. ALS assumes you already have BLS/CPR skills. BLS certification is always the prerequisite because you can’t move to advanced airway or pharmacology until you’ve mastered the basics.

Can BLS providers ever move into ALS roles?

Absolutely. Many EMTs start with BLS, gain field experience, and then pursue paramedic training or other advanced certifications. This path opens the door to ALS ambulance roles and higher levels of patient care responsibility.

BLS and ALS: The Backbone of Emergency Medicine

Basic Life Support and Advanced Life Support make up the very structure of ambulance services and emergency response systems. BLS-trained EMTs provide the essential foundation for stabilizing patients. ALS-trained providers, often paramedics, extend that care with advanced skills for critically ill or unstable patients. This system works because providers advance through a clear certification path: BLS first, then ALS.

Start your BLS certification today and build the skills every healthcare provider needs, or advance to ACLS certification to prepare for the most complex, life-saving interventions.

About Greta

Reach out to Greta at greta.kviklyte@advmedcert.com.

Keep reading

What Does Basic Life Support (BLS) Stand For?

ACLS vs. ALS

ACLS vs. CPR

by Greta Kviklyte

Life Saver, AMC

Co-authored by Kim Murray, RN, M.S.

posted on Sep 5, 2025, at 9:30 am

When it comes to life support training, there are multiple certification pathways, and it’s easy to feel uncertain about which course is required for your role. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency intervention technique that acts as the cornerstone of basic life support (BLS) during a cardiac emergency. CPR is important for personnel who want (or need) to take care of someone suffering a cardiac arrest.

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) is a system that builds on the teachings of CPR by integrating more advanced care techniques and coordinated team-based resuscitation. ACLS is specifically designed for healthcare professionals who are responsible for managing cardiac arrest, peri-arrest conditions, and other life-threatening cardiovascular emergencies.

We offer Online CPR and BLS Certification

While there is some overlap between CPR and ACLS, they are distinct in purpose, audience, and scope. In this article, we’ll explain how these certifications differ, how they build upon one another, and how to decide which one best fits your professional or personal needs.

Understanding ACLS vs CPR Certification in Cardiac Emergencies

CPR Certification

CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is the foundation of basic life support and the starting point for life-saving training. It is designed for the general public as well as workplace responders such as teachers, coaches, and fitness instructors, and requires no prior medical knowledge.

Training focuses on delivering first aid, high-quality chest compressions and rescue breaths, and using an automated external defibrillator to restore a normal heart rhythm. Because it is entry-level, CPR classes are widely accessible and equip individuals to respond to emergencies in public spaces, schools, gyms, or workplaces.

Advanced Cardio Life Support Certification

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support builds upon CPR and BLS to prepare healthcare professionals to manage complex, in-hospital cardiac emergencies. It is intended for clinicians such as physicians, nurses, paramedics, and advanced practice providers who regularly care for critically ill patients.

The training expands beyond the basics of resuscitation medicine to include cardiac rhythm recognition and ECG interpretation, intravenous access and pharmacologic interventions, advanced airway management, and the use of structured algorithms for cardiac arrest and peri-arrest situations. A good ACLS curriculum also devotes time to teaching team dynamics and communication. These often-overlooked skills are critical in life-threatening situations where providers need to be able to lead or contribute properly.

Because of its advanced scope, taking an ACLS course requires current BLS training or demonstrated CPR proficiency as a prerequisite. The skills learned through ACLS are typically applied in clinical environments such as hospitals, intensive care units, and emergency medical services.

Key Differences Between ACLS Certification and CPR Certification

The table below highlights the most important distinctions between ACLS and CPR:

Feature	CPR Certification	ACLS Certification
Level of Care	Basic life support, sustaining circulation and oxygenation until advanced help arrives	Advanced life support, diagnosing and managing complex cardiac emergencies
Key Practitioner	Open to the general public, workplace responders, teachers, fitness trainers, non-clinical professionals	Healthcare providers such as physicians, nurses, paramedics, and advanced clinicians
Key Skills	Chest compressions, rescue breathing, AED use	ECG interpretation, advanced airway management, IV medications, structured algorithms
Prerequisites	None; accessible to anyone interested in life-saving skills	Requires current BLS certification or demonstrated CPR proficiency

When Do You Need CPR vs ACLS Certification?

CPR certification is designed for anyone who may encounter an emergency outside of a hospital setting. Teachers, fitness trainers, security personnel, and childcare providers such as babysitters often pursue CPR training because they are responsible for the safety of others in schools, gyms, and workplaces. First responders and members of the general public can also benefit from CPR training, since cardiac arrest can happen anywhere — at home, in the community, or in public spaces. The goal is to ensure that bystanders are prepared to act immediately, delivering chest compressions, rescue breaths, and AED support until advanced medical help arrives.

ACLS certification, on the other hand, is required for healthcare professionals who treat patients in high-acuity environments. Nurses, physicians, and paramedics working in emergency rooms, intensive care units, or cardiology departments rely on ACLS skills to interpret ECG rhythms, administer medications, secure airways, and lead resuscitation teams. For providers in emergency medicine, critical care, and EMS, ACLS is more than a credential — it is a professional necessity that equips them to manage life-threatening cardiovascular events with precision and confidence.

ACLS vs CPR Certification in the Healthcare Profession

Understanding Healthcare Certification Pathways

Life support training in healthcare follows a structured progression. Most providers begin with CPR, advance to Basic Life Support, and then complete Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support. The skills taught in these courses are more broad, applicable to the majority of patients a provider might encounter.

Depending on your focus in the healthcare field, further certifications such as Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP), or Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) may also be required. These pathways helps clinicians build from basic skills to special competencies required in roles working with a specific population, such as newborn and infants.

Certifications Required by Role

Nurses: CPR and ACLS are both essential, especially for those working in emergency departments, critical care units, or telemetry floors where cardiac emergencies are common.
Paramedics: BLS and ACLS are required, since paramedics must treat patients in the field before they reach the hospital.
Medical Assistants: Typically need CPR or BLS certification, depending on employer and scope of practice, to provide immediate support in outpatient or clinical settings.
Doctors: Expected to maintain BLS and ACLS as a baseline, with additional certifications such as PALS for pediatric specialists or ATLS for those who work in trauma and surgical care.

We trust our healthcare professionals to work with us when we are out our most vulnerable. Whether we are sick or injured, we have to hold them a high standard if we expect them to give us the proper treatment. That’s why ongoing certifications are so important. Healthcare providers need to keep up with the most current, evidence-based guidelines for administering care. Regular renewal sharpens both technical skills and, again, non-technical skills like communication and how to work as a team under intense pressure.

When providers regularly complete this training, it directly improves patient outcomes. These skills directly reduce response times, improve resuscitation efforts, and help our healthcare workers be confident in critical moments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does ACLS cover CPR?

Not always. While ACLS training builds on the foundations of CPR, it does not always include a full CPR course as part of the curriculum. Most healthcare providers complete CPR or Basic Life Support certification first, since it is a prerequisite for enrolling in ACLS. Many people choose bundled training options that include BLS and ACLS together, making it easier to stay current on all required certifications at once.

Is CPR included in ACLS Training?

CPR serves as the foundation of all resuscitation medicine, and ACLS builds directly upon it. However, ACLS training does not typically re-teach CPR in detail. Instead, it assumes participants are already proficient in the material covered in a CPR certification course and then integrates these skills into more advanced protocols.

Why does ACLS not cover BLS?

ACLS is designed as an advanced course and assumes learners already have a solid grasp of Basic Life Support skills. High-quality CPR, rescue breathing, and AED use are prerequisites for effective ACLS interventions, but they are not the focus of the training itself. For this reason, many ACLS providers require participants to hold a current BLS certification before enrolling.

What kind of healthcare provider needs ACLS certification?

ACLS certification is appropriate for healthcare professionals who routinely respond to cardiopulmonary emergencies in clinical or prehospital settings. This includes physicians, registered nurses, and paramedics who work in intensive care units, emergency departments, operating rooms, and emergency medical services (EMS). Advanced practice providers such as nurse practitioners and physician assistants may also need ACLS if their role involves critical care or cardiac patient management. Even when ACLS is not explicitly mandated, many employers strongly encourage it.

Choosing the Right Certification to Save Lives

At Advanced Medical Certification (AMC), we make it easier than ever to earn your CPR and ACLS credentials. Our courses are:

100% online
Accredited through the Postgraduate Institute for Medicine (PIM)
Designed by board-certified physicians to meet the latest ILCOR and JCAHO standards.

With flexible self-paced modules and unlimited exam retakes, you can use our programs to save time without sacrificing any of the rigor and credibility as in-person training.

Get your ACLS certification now or, if you’re just getting started with the fundamentals of life support, get CPR certified here.

About Greta

Reach out to Greta at greta.kviklyte@advmedcert.com.

Keep reading

What Does Basic Life Support (BLS) Stand For?

ACLS vs. ALS

ACLS vs. CPR

Who Needs PALS Certification Course?

by Greta Kviklyte

Life Saver, AMC

Co-authored by Kim Murray, RN, M.S.

posted on Aug 30, 2025, at 1:37 am

Are you a healthcare professional wondering if Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification is a requirement for your job, or just recommended?

When it comes to pediatric emergencies, there’s little room for uncertainty. Children’s bodies respond differently than adults in cardiac or respiratory arrest, and recognizing those subtle, high-stakes differences can mean the difference between life and loss. In one clinical study,children treated by teams trained in pediatric-specific emergency protocols (like those taught in PALS training) had a 94% resuscitation success rate, compared to just 76% in standard care settings.

We offer Online CPR and BLS Certification

A PALS certified female doctor is holding up a rattle in front an infant lying on a clinic bed with the mother beside them For any clinician who works with infants or children in emergency, critical care, or pre-hospital settings, being certified in Pediatric Advanced Life Support means knowing how to assess, respond, and lead when a child’s life is in danger.

Who Needs PALS Certification?

PALS certification is hugely important for anyone responsible for responding to emergency situations involving infants and children. These are the most vulnerable patients we have, so if you work in a hospital, an ambulance, or a clinic, the ability to assess and manage pediatric cardiac arrest, shock, or respiratory failure could be the most important skill you carry.

Here are some of the roles where PALS certification is recommended (if not outright required):

Doctors in Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine
ICU and Critical Care Nurses
EMTs and Paramedics
Critical Care Physicians and Hospitalists
Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs)
Respiratory Therapists
Medical Transport Personnel
Clinic Assistants or Child Care Staff who want to add life-saving skills to their résumé

And here’s one of the most common questions we hear:

Is PALS certification worth it for general nurses?

Absolutely. Even if you’re not in a pediatric unit every day, emergencies don’t always wait for specialists. Whether you’re the first responder in a clinic, a float nurse called to an ICU, or simply working in a setting where children might enter your care, having PALS certification could help you save a young life. It’s also a strong professional asset and resume builder that signals your readiness for a wider variety of roles.

Who Can Be PALS Certified?

To complete the PALS curriculum, you should already be trained in Basic Life Support (BLS as it provides the foundation for all advanced life-saving care. PALS builds on that course by teaching specialized skills like pediatric airway management, rhythm recognition, and post-resuscitation support.

We should note that while PALS is not legally mandatory for all pediatric-focused healthcare providers, it is, broadly speaking, highly recommended and often required by employers, especially in emergency or critical care settings. If you’re in a position where you’re responding to pediatric codes in a hospital or preparing for your pediatric rotation, PALS prepares you to act when a child’s life is on the line.

Is PALS only for nurses?

No. PALS is designed for a wide range of healthcare professionals who may need to respond to pediatric emergencies. In addition registered nurses (RNs and APRNs), PALS is useful for:

Paramedics and EMTs
Respiratory Therapists
CRNAs and Anesthesia Teams
Medical Students and Residents (especially those rotating in pediatric-focused units)

Who can use PALS in the field?

Any of the professionals above may be required to use PALS knowledge in real-world care, particularly those working in:

Pediatric wards and ICUs
Emergency departments
Urgent care clinics
Ambulance and transport settings
Surgical or procedural units

Do I need both BLS and PALS?

Yes. BLS is a prerequisite for PALS because it teaches the core principles of CPR and emergency response. PALS takes it a step further, guiding you through how to manage complex pediatric emergencies, lead a code team, and stabilize infants and children until full care can be delivered. Keep in mind that you’ll need current BLS certification before beginning your PALS course.

Who Doesn’t Need PALS Certification?

While PALS certification is critical for many medical professionals, it’s not necessary for everyone. You likely don’t need PALS certification if you are a general medical practitioner without pediatric or emergency care responsibilities. The same goes if you’re a caregiver or daycare worker without a clinical role or medical training requirements

That said, if you regularly interact with children and want to be prepared for emergencies, BLS certification can still provide valuable life-saving skills.

How PALS Certification Sets You Apart?

In high-stress pediatric emergencies, a PALS certification will help you understand what role you play. Whether you’re the first on the scene or part of the critical care team, PALS sets you apart by training you in pediatric-specific protocols that go far beyond general resuscitation techniques.

For direct responders (looking at those nurses, paramedics, physicians, and respiratory therapists out there in emergency or ICU settings), PALS certification prepares you to:

Lead or assist during code blue events involving children
Respond rapidly to cardiac or respiratory arrest in infants
Deliver pediatric care during pre-hospital transport situations
Recognize early warning signs before deterioration

For supportive roles (aka those not usually first to respond to a pediatric crisis), PALS will teach you how to:

Communicate effectively during pediatric codes
Understand and anticipate pediatric interventions
Provide safer, more informed care during high-risk procedures or recovery

Emergencies involving pediatric patients that require life support are rare, fortunately. But when they happen, they escalate fast. The good news is that research shows optimized emergency care not only improves survival but also helps children stabilize faster and leave the hospital sooner, easing pressure on clinical teams and enhancing patient flow.

Other Certifications for Pediatric Life Support

Can you work in pediatrics with BLS only?

Yes, depending on your role. The Basic Life Support (BLS) certification covers fundamental emergency care skills like CPR, AED use, and basic airway management. If you work in outpatient pediatrics, a non-critical care setting, or a support role, BLS may be sufficient. However, if you’re expected to respond during a pediatric code, PALS certification is strongly recommended.

Is ACLS or NRP a substitute for PALS?

No. Here’s a quick look a the different purposes each certification serves:

ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) focuses on adult emergency protocols.
NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program) is specific to newborns under 28 days old, especially in delivery rooms and NICUs.
PALS is the gold standard for managing infants and children beyond the neonatal period through adolescence. In some roles, PALS and NRP may both be required.

What certifications are best for school staff, caregivers, or childcare workers?

For non-medical professionals, CPR and First Aid certification is typically the best fit. These courses provide essential life-saving skills without requiring clinical experience, making them ideal for:

Teachers and school staff
Daycare providers
Babysitters and foster parents
Camp or youth program leaders

PALS is not necessary for these roles, but knowing how to safely do CPR can save a child’s life while waiting for emergency responders.

Ready to Take the Next Step in Pediatric Care?

If you’re ready to get certified in Pediatric Advanced Life Support, you could sign up for a standard course, or you could make an investment that pays off for your entire career. AMC’s PALS Certification For Life grants you full certification now and unlimited recertifications every two years with no extra fees or classroom requirements.

Here’s what you get with PALS For Life:

100% online training, built to fit your schedule
Instant digital provider card, with a printed copy available
Up to 8 AMA Category 1 Credits™, issued by an accredited provider (PIM)
Unlimited free exam retakes
Money-back guarantee
Exclusive access to video, audio, and written materials
Savings of over $1,500 across the course of your career

Whether you’re early in your medical career or recertifying for the fifth time, AMC’s PALS For Life course lets you stay certified – forever – with just one payment. Get started on your PALS training today.

About Greta

Reach out to Greta at greta.kviklyte@advmedcert.com.

Keep reading

What Does Basic Life Support (BLS) Stand For?

ACLS vs. ALS

ACLS vs. CPR

What are BLS, ACLS, and PALS Certifications?

by Greta Kviklyte

Life Saver, AMC

Co-authored by Kim Murray, RN, M.S.

posted on Aug 29, 2025, at 11:32 pm

A recent study found that 98% of emergency physicians reported a lack of knowledge in rare diseases, yet they expressed a desire for more training. That’s a staggering number and a powerful reminder that even experienced clinicians seek to strengthen their skills. Certifications like Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) provide that specialized training, preparing healthcare professionals not only for rare disease scenarios but also for everyday life-threatening emergencies.

We offer Online CPR and BLS Certification

What is BLS

When a woman collapsed at the airport in Buffalo, New York, bystanders who knew Basic Life Support (BLS) techniques saved her life. One immediately started chest compressions, while another retrieved an automated external defibrillator (AED). Within seconds of a shock from the AED, she opened her eyes and was up and talking before emergency responders even arrived.

Data show that fast action from trained bystanders can double or even triple the odds of survival from cardiac arrest, underscoring the power of BLS and explaining why it’s the foundation of emergency care.

Basic Life Support focuses on lifesaving techniques for people of all ages, including first aid, high-quality CPR, the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), and relief of airway obstructions. BLS certification is required for most healthcare professionals and first responders because it equips them to stabilize patients and keep oxygen-rich blood circulating until advanced care arrives.

What is ACLS

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support training builds on BLS skills to address complex cardiovascular emergencies. It trains healthcare professionals to manage cardiac arrest, stroke, arrhythmias, and other life-threatening conditions using advanced airway management, medications, and team-based resuscitation strategies. ACLS certification is common for clinicians working in critical care, emergency departments, and other acute care settings.

What is PALS

Pediatric Advanced Life Support is designed specifically for emergency care of infants and children. It teaches clinicians how to recognize and manage pediatric respiratory distress, shock, and cardiac arrest, along with pediatric-specific assessment techniques and medication dosages. PALS certification is especially important for those working in pediatrics, emergency care, and intensive care units.

Different Life Support Certifications: What are BLS, ACLS, and PALS Certifications

Key Factors of BLS Certification

BLS certification is required for most healthcare professionals, including nurses, physicians, paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and many caregivers who work in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and home health environments. It is also recommended for first responders, teachers, coaches, and anyone responsible for public safety.

The purpose of BLS is to ensure that healthcare providers and other professionals can deliver immediate care in life-threatening situations. It focuses on:

Recognizing cardiac arrest
Initiating high-quality chest compressions
Using an AED to restore heart rhythm
High-quality CPR for adults, children, and infants

Online BLS training can be completed in under an hour with instant certification and free unlimited exam retakes.

Key Factors of ACLS Certification

ACLS certification is designed for clinicians who deliver advanced care to adults in critical or emergency settings, including ER nurses, ICU staff, paramedics, respiratory therapists, and advanced practice providers (NPs and PAs).

The purpose of ACLS is to prepare healthcare professionals to manage cardiac emergencies such as cardiac arrest, stroke, and life-threatening arrhythmias. Training focuses on both technical interventions and team-based leadership during resuscitation, including:

Advanced airway management techniques
ECG rhythm recognition and interpretation
Pharmacology for cardiovascular emergencies
Cardiac arrest algorithms and post-resuscitation care
Effective team dynamics and communication

AMC’s ACLS course is fully online, designed to be completed in less than one hour, and comes with 8 AMA Category 1 Credits™ and instant certification proof.

Key Factors of PALS Certification

PALS certification is intended for healthcare providers who care for infants and children, such as pediatric nurses, midwives, pediatricians, paramedics, and emergency medical personnel.

Kids aren’t just small adults. Their bodies respond differently in emergencies, and PALS training prepares you to recognize those subtle differences and act decisively via:

Pediatric patient assessment and early recognition of respiratory or cardiac compromise
Pediatric BLS and advanced life support techniques
Pediatric-specific medication dosage and fluid management
Airway management for infants and children
Team dynamics and effective communication during pediatric emergencies

The online PALS certification we offer is self-paced, and garners 8 AMA Category 1 Credits™, instant certification cards, and free unlimited exam retakes.

Key Differences Between BLS, ACLS, and PALS Certifications

Scope of Practice and Complexity – BLS focuses on essential life-saving skills, ACLS expands into advanced cardiovascular life support for adults, and PALS specializes in pediatric emergency care.
Target Patient Groups – BLS covers patients of all ages, ACLS focuses on adults, and PALS focuses on infants and children.
Level of Care Administered – BLS covers basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and AED use, ACLS addresses advanced airway management and pharmacology, and PALS adapts life support techniques to pediatric patients.
Training Depth and Complexity – BLS is foundational training, while ACLS and PALS teach advanced, scenario-based skills for critical care situations.
Required Equipment and Simulation Training – Traditional courses often use specialized equipment:
- BLS: CPR manikins, AED trainers, and barrier devices to practice CPR and choking response.
- ACLS: ECG monitors, defibrillators, airway adjuncts (bag-valve masks, advanced airway devices), and critical care protocols.
- PALS: Pediatric-specific manikins and equipment for infant and child emergencies, including pediatric airway devices, defibrillators, and medication kits for pediatric dosing.

Because AMC’s courses are 100% online, no physical simulation equipment or manikins are required. Instead, AMC provides multimedia training tools—including videos, algorithms, and megacode simulations—to prepare you for real-world scenarios while offering free unlimited exam retakes and instant certification proof.

Things to Consider when Choosing: BLS vs. ACLS vs. PALS

PALS is focused on infants and children, while ACLS is designed for adult patients. ACLS builds on BLS skills, so you must hold a current BLS certification before enrolling. All three AMC courses are accredited, accepted nationwide, and available 100% online, giving busy healthcare professionals a flexible way to stay certified without classroom attendance.

How to Get Certified: BLS, ACLS, PALS

Prepare: AMC provides exclusive multimedia study materials, including videos and audiobooks, plus free practice tests.
Take the course online: All AMC certifications can be completed in under one hour.
Pass the exam: Enjoy free unlimited retakes until you succeed.
Get certified instantly: Download your digital provider card and begin using it the same day.

AMC courses also offer CME/CE credits, including up to 4 AMA Category 1 Credits™ for BLS, and 8 AMA Category 1 Credits™ for ACLS and PALS.

Is BLS included in ACLS?

No. ACLS builds on the skills learned in BLS but does not include BLS certification. You must have a current BLS card before enrolling in ACLS.

Can I take all three certifications online?

Yes. AMC offers accredited online BLS, ACLS, and PALS courses with flexible learning options to fit your schedule. You can even take recertification courses with us to stay up to date on the latest guidelines.

Do I need all three certifications at once?

Not necessarily. Most healthcare professionals start with BLS and then go on to get the other. But ACLS and PALS are role-specific, so your job duties may determine which advanced certifications you need.

Is PALS only for pediatric doctors?

No. PALS is for any healthcare provider who may respond to pediatric emergencies, including nurses, paramedics, midwives, and respiratory therapists.

Do all hospitals accept online certifications?

Most do when accredited. AMC’s courses are nationally accepted and backed by a money-back guarantee.

Your Certification Journey Begins Here

BLS, ACLS, and PALS certifications each play an important role in preparing healthcare professionals to respond confidently during life-threatening emergencies. Whether you’re providing foundational life support, managing complex cardiac events, or treating pediatric patients, these certifications ensure you have the right skills for the right situation. Choosing the appropriate certifications depends on your role, patient population, and career goals.

AMC offers accredited online BLS,ACLS, and PALS courses designed to fit your schedule and learning style. We even offer a three-course bundle, allowing you to get certified in all of them at your own pace.

About Greta

Reach out to Greta at greta.kviklyte@advmedcert.com.

Keep reading

What Does Basic Life Support (BLS) Stand For?

ACLS vs. ALS

Learn More About ACLS Certification

ACLS vs. CPR

What is PALS Certification (pediatric advanced life support)?

by Greta Kviklyte

Life Saver, AMC

Co-authored by Kim Murray, RN, M.S.

posted on Aug 19, 2025, at 1:04 pm

Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification teaches healthcare professionals how to respond to emergencies in infants and children. Training focuses on rapid pediatric assessment, effective resuscitation, airway management, and the use of medications and advanced interventions to stabilize critically ill or injured patients.

The purpose of PALS is to improve outcomes during emergencies such as respiratory failure, shock, or cardiac arrest. By standardizing care, PALS helps ensure children receive fast, evidence-based treatment. Although a PALS certification is not required for all medical professionals, it is highly recommended for those providers involved in pediatric resuscitation and stabilization. These include physicians, nurses, paramedics, respiratory therapists, and others working in emergency rooms, intensive care units, and pre-hospital settings.

We offer Online ACLS Certification and Renewal

Take our ACLS Practice Test

What Is PALS Certification?

Pediatric Advanced Life Support certification prepares healthcare professionals to respond quickly and effectively to life-threatening emergencies in infants and children. It focuses on providing critical care during the most vulnerable moments of a child’s life, when seconds can make all the difference.

Pediatric Emergency Care

The anatomy of children presents unique challenges during medical crises that can be particularly perilous. Their smaller bodies, rapidly changing vital signs, and limited communication skills require a specialized approach to assessment and treatment. PALS training teaches healthcare professionals how to recognize the situation at hand and deliver immediate, evidence-based care tailored to pediatric patients.

Respiratory Distress in Children

Respiratory distress is the leading cause of cardiac arrest in infants and young children, which is why our PALS training places heavy emphasis on recognizing and treating asthma, bronchiolitis, choking, or other trauma. Doing so goes a long way toward preventing deteriorating health outcomes and, as a result, improving survival rates.

Basic Life Support for Infants and Children

PALS incorporates Basic Life Support (BLS) techniques specific to infants (0–12 months) and children (up to puberty). While the core CPR principles are similar, there are key differences in pulse checks, compression depth, and hand placement when it comes to treating pediatric patients versus adults:

Infants: Use two fingers for single-rescuer compressions or a two-thumb encircling hands technique for two rescuers, with a compression depth of about 1.5 inches (4 cm).
Children: Compressions are performed with one or two hands, depending on size, at one-third chest depth (about 2 inches or 5 cm).

Life-Saving Support for Children

Beyond basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), a PALS certification program will prepare you to manage high-risk scenarios, such as bradycardia (a slow heart rate) and tachycardia (a fast heart rate) that require medication, defibrillation, or advanced airway management. The training includes how to interpret pediatric cardiac rhythms, administer emergency medications, and coordinate care during high-stress situations, often using team-based simulation exercises

Why PALS Certification Is Vital

Children experiencing respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, shock, or severe arrhythmias require precision treatment rooted in proven best practices. PALS training ensures healthcare providers can quickly identify a patient’s condition and deliver appropriate interventions.

Additionally, pediatric emergencies have a tendency to progress rapidly, and PALS has been designed to emphasize the importance of an immediate, organized response

Core Skills Covered in PALS Class

Rapid assessment unique to infants and children.
Early recognition of respiratory distress, shock, and cardiac emergencies.
High-quality first aid, age-specific CPR, and AED use.
Bag-mask ventilation, advanced airway devices, and effective ventilation techniques.
Use of life-saving medications and management of bradycardia, tachycardia, and shock.
Communication and coordination in high-stress situations.

What Are the Benefits of Getting PALS Certified?

The number one benefit of combining the core skills noted above with scenario-based training is that PALS-certified providers are ready to deliver life-saving interventions quickly and effectively, improving outcomes for pediatric patients.

Pediatric emergencies require speed, precision, and calm decision-making under pressure. To do that, you need to possess the advanced skills, clinical knowledge, and confidence to handle these life-or-death situations. PALS goes beyond clinical knowledge to focus on the very things that build professional credibility that can help you stand out in specialized, competitive healthcare roles. Here’s a quick glance at the main benefit of this credential:

Preparation for Infant and Child Emergencies
Clinicians get the knowledge and techniques needed to respond effectively to critical pediatric emergencies. Whether it’s respiratory distress, cardiac arrest, or shock, PALS ensures you know exactly what to do in the most high-stakes scenarios.

Confidence in Critical Scenarios
Emergency situations involving children can be among the most emotionally charged and technically challenging moments in healthcare. PALS combines hands-on practice with real-world scenarios to help you learn how to execute your job under pressure.

Career Advancement in Pediatrics
Many hospitals and healthcare organizations require PALS certification for pediatric, emergency, and critical care roles. Having this credential can open doors to specialized positions, leadership opportunities, and even make you a stronger candidate for competitive roles like travel nursing or high-acuity pediatric care.

Builds Medical Teamwork
A critical, yet often overlooked, part of healthcare is teamwork and communication. PALS emphasizes team-based response where you’ll learn how to coordinate with nurses, physicians, respiratory therapists, and EMS providers in high-stress environments, improving communication and patient outcomes.

Readiness for Emergency and ICU Settings
From the emergency department to the intensive care unit (ICU), PALS-certified professionals are trained to handle these critical settings where rapid decision-making and precise intervention are essential.

Competitive Edge
For travel nurses, pediatric staff, and ER teams, PALS certification is a differentiator. It demonstrates to employers that you have specialized pediatric emergency training, making you more valuable and versatile across a range of care settings.

What Does the PALS Training Include?

Our course content blends hands-on drills with critical thinking and collaboration, ensuring that participants become experts in the following domains:

Pediatric Assessment

Early recognition saves lives. PALS teaches rapid pediatric assessment using a structured approach to identify respiratory distress, shock, and cardiac emergencies. This includes understanding age-specific vital signs, interpreting subtle warning signs, and determining priority interventions.

PALS Algorithm and Life-Saving Drills for Infants and Children

High-quality CPR is a cornerstone of PALS and participants practice age-appropriate chest compressions, ventilations, and the use of AEDs. The training reinforces correct hand placement, compression depth, and the proper compression-to-breath ratio (which is dependent on the number of rescuers present).

Airway Management

The course covers bag-mask ventilation, airway adjuncts, and advanced airway techniques tailored for infants and children, including endotracheal intubation and supraglottic devices.

Pharmacology, Shock, and Rhythm Disturbances

PALS dives deep into pediatric pharmacology, focusing on the safe and effective use of life-saving medications in emergency situations. Participants learn how to manage shock, bradycardia, tachycardia, and other rhythm disturbances using both medications and electrical interventions like defibrillation and pacing.

Emergency Interventions and Teamwork Dynamics

A pediatric emergency is rarely managed by a single person, which is why PALS emphasizes teamwork and communication. Team drills simulate real-world emergencies, improving coordination, leadership, and role clarity during pediatric resuscitation to help providers get comfortable functioning in high-stress situations.

Prerequisites to PALS: Who Can Get Certified?

Required Skills: Most providers require valid Basic Life Support certification before enrolling. A background in emergency or pediatric care is recommended.

Who Can Take It: EMTs, paramedics, nurses, physicians, respiratory therapists, and other licensed professionals.

Cost and Credits: Initial courses range from $150 to $300, and renewals range from $100 to $200. Many accredited providers offer 4–8 CEUs or CME credits, which often count toward license renewal.

Does PALS Have a Test?

Yes. To earn your certification, you must pass both a written exam and a hands-on skills assessment. The written exam tests your knowledge of PALS algorithms, medications, and emergency protocols, while the practical skills test will have you demonstrate your ability to manage a simulated pediatric emergency.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Enrolling

Do you work in pediatric or emergency care?

If your role involves responding to critical pediatric situations, PALS is likely a requirement or a valuable career investment.

Do you already have BLS or ACLS?

Most PALS programs require Basic Life Support as a prerequisite, and having ACLS may give you a strong advantage.

Are you required to have PALS by your employer?

Many hospitals, travel nursing agencies, and emergency medical services require PALS for employment or advancement.

Advance with PALS Certification

PALS training will transform how you think, act, and lead when treating a pediatric patient in the middle of an emergency. From decoding subtle signs of pediatric distress to taking command in high-stakes situations, you’ll walk away with more a certification that will give you an edge in your clinical career.

Take the next step today. Check out the 100% online, self-paced, and nationally accepted PALS course offered by AMC and start honing your skills and moving your career forward.

About Greta

Reach out to Greta at greta.kviklyte@advmedcert.com.

Keep reading