Advanced Pediatric Life Support (APLS)

Why is this Program Important?

APLS: The Pediatric Emergency Medicine Resource (APLS) is an important means to improving health outcomes for pediatric patients in a global setting.  The teaching of pediatric emergency care has often been limited due to resources and availability of programs.  APLS Global would address the need for a program with global applicability that addresses identification and stabilization of critically ill children.

Who Can Benefit?

Any physician who treats pediatric patients (pediatricians, family practice physicians, emergency physicians, any physician in an office, urgent care setting, hospital or other inpatient facility, or emergency department who might be called on to care for a pediatric patient). There is a global presence in 22 countries, with translations in four languages over the history of all previous editions. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in APLS as a program that has global applicability for facilities that want a training program for the identification and stabilization of critically ill children. 

Program Details

Developed by expert authors, editors, and faculty from both the AAP and the American College of Emergency Physicians, APLS is an inclusive teaching and learning system for healthcare providers. Each chapter is case based and covers the key elements of assessment, diagnosis, testing, treatment, and disposition.Utilizing the Pediatric Assessment Triangle presented in APLS allows for improving rates of appropriately triaging and caring for sick children in the emergency department, improving efficiency in locales with limited resources. Thus, it is being reimagined as a program suitable for global audiences.

How is the Program Implemented?

APLS is a comprehensive curriculum that relies on skill stations and small group discussions to actively engage the learner.  APLS Course Directors also have the option of using different lecture topics throughout the course to tailor it to each course’s specific needs. The skill stations allow learners to acquire the important knowledge and skills needed for an emergency medical situation in an environment conducive to practice and learning.

APLS utilizes the “train the trainer” model for curriculum adaption. Course Directors facilitate an APLS course with other faculty and, in turn, the faculty or providers are then able to apply to the AAP to become a Course Director. Course Director requirements include:

1. Being a board-certified physician in emergency medicine, pediatrics, pediatric emergency medicine, pediatric surgery or family practice.
2. Have practice in caring for and treating pediatric patients

Have participated in two APLS course, and served as faculty for at least one course OR have participated in one APLS course and are currently certified as a PALS instructor OR are a residency/fellowship director (Observing an APLS course is recommended) OR have equivalent teaching experience or are a course director for a similar course.

Delivering Value and Impact

The global goal is to improve pediatric patient outcomes for any ill or injured children brought to a healthcare facility. It is believed that better enactment of these skills has the potential to directly benefit the patients. With increased practice, learners also gain confidence and improve their skills. 

Program Partnerships

Jones and Bartlett Learning is the current publisher of the existing APLS: The Pediatric Emergency Medicine Resource, 5^th edition and related APLS: Instructor’s Toolkit CD-ROM