Course Description:
This American Heart Association PEARS (Pediatric Emergency Assessment, Recognition and Stabilization) course is designed specifically for school nurses who are often the first healthcare responders in the school setting. The course equips participants with the critical skills needed to quickly assess, recognize, and stabilize pediatric students experiencing respiratory distress, shock, or cardiopulmonary arrest—before advanced care arrives.
Through hands-on simulation, case-based scenarios, and interactive discussions, school nurses will learn to:
- Perform systematic pediatric assessments using the Pediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT)
- Identify signs of clinical deterioration in students
- Initiate appropriate interventions for respiratory and circulatory emergencies
- Provide initial stabilization and coordinate care with EMS
This course bridges the gap between basic life support and advanced pediatric resuscitation, making it ideal for school nurses seeking to enhance their emergency preparedness and response capabilities in alignment with school health policies and Texas guidelines.
Prerequisite: Current BLS (Basic Life Support) certification
Certification: American Heart Association PEARS Provider (valid for 2 years)