PALS Medical Emergency Team

Efficient collective effort during resuscitation is among the highlights of the ILCOR guidelines for PALS. Outside a hospital setting, an individual who happens to be on the scene of an emergency may perform CPR alone; in contrast, a team of people would inevitably be present at the site of an emergency in a medical facility such as the hospital. Organizing a team immediately with members that will properly carry out PALS is crucial. The team structure supported by the ILCOR is one where each individual is expected to carry out a specific role during resuscitation and consists of a leader and several members.

It is vital for you to understand your own clinical limitations. Resuscitation is an event where acquired skills are implemented; there is no space to practice new ones. Be open to accepting help early on when caring for another person. Resuscitation demands mutual respect, knowledge sharing, and constructive criticism. After each resuscitation case, rescuers should review the steps they have taken and exchange feedback. Fostering an atmosphere of respect and support is vital and helps in channeling the inevitable stress that comes with pediatric resuscitation (Figure 1).