Paediatric Intermediate Life Support (PILS)

Course Duration: 8 hours

Course summary

The Resuscitation Council (UK) Paediatric Immediate Life Support (PILS) course was launched in 2007. It was developed in response to a demand from healthcare professionals who may have to act as first responders and treat seriously ill children or children in cardiac arrest until the arrival of a cardiac arrest team.

Each year, on average, 2,200 courses are held and 17,000 healthcare professionals are trained.

Who is this course suitable for?

The PILS Course is appropriate for the following candidates:

The PILS course addresses the needs of staff who need more advanced skills than those taught during basic life support (BLS), but who do not require the more comprehensive two-day European Paediatric Life Support (EPLS) course.

Learning outcomes

  • The PILS course teaches the knowledge and skills to:
  • understand the structured ABCDE approach that facilitates rapid recognition of seriously ill children;
  • provide appropriate initial treatment interventions to prevent cardiorespiratory arrest;
  • treat children in respiratory or cardiorespiratory arrest until the arrival of a resuscitation team or more experienced assistance;
  • promote active  membership of a paediatric resuscitation team.

Course structure

The PILS course is run over one day and the course programme consists of one lecture, skill stations and simulation practice.

Assessment and Certification

Assessment is continuous and is guided by the assessment forms provided for each core skill.

Successful candidates receive a Resuscitation Council (UK) PILS provider certificate, which is valid for one year. The PILS course is recognised for up to 5 continuing professional development (CPD) points.

Pre-course preparation

The manual is sent to candidates two weeks before the start of the course. Candidates are expected to have prepared for the course by reading the manual and if recertifying, watching the DVD.