European Paediatric Advanced Life Support (EPALS) Course

EPALS is an intensive, practical two-day course designed for healthcare professionals who may be involved in assessing, treating or resuscitating deteriorating children. The course follows current evidence-based paediatric resuscitation guidance and focuses on the structured management of respiratory failure, circulatory failure, neurological deterioration, serious illness, trauma and cardiorespiratory arrest.

What You Will Learn

• Structured assessment of the seriously ill or injured child
• Recognition and management of respiratory distress and respiratory failure
• Recognition and treatment of shock and circulatory failure
• Management of paediatric cardiac arrest
• Effective paediatric basic and advanced life support
• Safe defibrillation and emergency medication use
• Management of common paediatric medical emergencies
• Assessment and initial management of the seriously injured child
• Effective teamwork, communication and leadership during emergencies
• Reassessment, stabilisation and safe escalation of care

Teaching is delivered through a combination of interactive discussions, practical skill stations, workshops and realistic scenario-based simulations. Candidates are encouraged to apply their knowledge, demonstrate clinical decision-making and work effectively as part of a resuscitation team.

Who Is This Course For?

The EPALS course is suitable for healthcare professionals who are expected to manage paediatric emergencies as part of their clinical role, including:

• Doctors working in paediatrics, emergency medicine, anaesthesia, intensive care and acute specialties
• Foundation and specialty trainees
• Nurses working in paediatric, emergency, critical care and acute clinical environments
• Paramedics and other appropriately experienced healthcare professionals
• Eligible final-year healthcare students where an established local arrangement is in place

Healthcare professionals who require paediatric emergency skills but do not routinely lead advanced paediatric resuscitation may find the Paediatric Immediate Life Support course more appropriate.

Assessment and Certification

Candidates are assessed throughout the course through practical participation, clinical scenarios and formal assessment components. Successful candidates receive a Resuscitation Council UK EPALS Provider certificate, which is valid for four years.