Advanced Paediatric Life Support Course Overview

The Advanced Paediatric Life Support course is widely recognised as the international gold standard in paediatric emergency training courses.

Established in 1997 and taught throughout Australia, this comprehensive three-day course introduces the structured approach to the emergency management of ill and injured children. 

 

Entrance Requirements

The Advanced Paediatric Life Support (APLS) course is suitable for doctors, nurses and paramedics looking to increase their confidence and clinical skills in paediatric acute care. 

This course is designed for graduates with a minimum of 2 years’ experience. 

APLS is the recommended course for all hospital staff working in clinical environments where children and adolescents are cared for, by the RACP's National Standards for the Care of Children and Adolescents. 

 

Duration

Three days face-to-face, 10 hours+ pre-course preparation

 

Course locations and vacancies

Visit our course calendar for upcoming courses and availability. 

 

Fees

Doctors $2120, Nurse/Paramedic $1920

 

Delivery & Assessment Methods

The APLS learning environment is interactive, practical and supportive. 

Before the course, candidates complete our award-winning online learning package to explore key APLS concepts. 

Then, during the face to face course, candidates demonstrate their knowledge and are assessed through scenario roleplays, skill stations, plenaries and workshops in small group sessions. 

APLS instructors make up a diverse community of over 500 medical professionals dedicated to excellence in paediatric care. With 12 instructors to 24 candidates on each course, candidates have their own mentor and access to a wealth of real-life experience. 

 

Outcomes

Candidates who complete the APLS course will issued a certificate of completion upon:

  • Fully attending the three-day course
  • Successfully completing all required course assessments
  • Successfully completing the required pre-course APLS online learning modules

APLS certificates are valid for five years from the date of issue.

 

Course preparation & resources

Preparation is essential to get the best possible outcome from your course. 4-6 weeks of preparation time is recommended to thoroughly read the APLS manual and complete the mandatory pre-course APLS online learning modules

Candidates should allow approximately 8-10 hours to complete their online learning prior to attending an APLS course. 

After booking your candidate place, you will be sent a print copy of our course manual: the Australia and New Zealand 6th edition of 'Advanced Paediatric Life Support – A Practical Approach to Emergencies'. 

The 6th edition also comes with free access to an interactive digital version which you can download onto your PC, Mac, Android and Kindle Fire devices.

Due to the intensive pre-course demands, candidates are discouraged from registering for a course with less than 4 weeks to prepare. 

 

Course structure

The course covers the following themes:

Life support

  • Basic life support
  • Advanced support of the airway and ventilation
  • Cardiac arrest management and defibrillation

 

Diagnosis and management of the seriously ill child

  • Breathing difficulties
  • Shock
  • Abnormal pulse rate and rhythm
  • Decreased conscious level
  • Convulsing child

 

Diagnosis and management of the seriously injured child

  • Chest injury
  • Abdominal injury
  • Head trauma
  • Spinal injury
  • Burns and scalds
  • Drowning

 

Practical procedures

  • Airway and breathing
  • Circulation
  • Trauma
  • Interpreting trauma X-rays
  • Stabilisation and transfer

 

Further topics 

  • Fluid and electrolyte management
  • Acid-base balance
  • Pain management
  • Septic child
  • Neurological assessment

 

2020 Course schedule

Day 1
0945am Candidate registration 
10am – 6pm Course sessions
6pm Candidate & faculty dinner 

Day 2
8am-6pm Course sessions 

Day 3
8am-4.15pm Course sessions 

Please note that the course schedule is subject to change from time to time. 

 

CPD Accreditation

Candidates who are members of RACGP & ACRRM may be eligible to receive QI&CPD points for an Accredited Category 1 Activity.