Back to search

PEARS Course Options

The AHA’s PEARS (Pediatric Emergency Assessment, Recognition and Stabilization) Course has been updated to reflect science in the 2015 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC. In this classroom-based, Instructor-led course, students learn how to use a systematic approach to quickly assess, recognize the cause, and stabilize a pediatric patient in an emergency situation.

During PEARS, students interact with real patient cases, and realistic simulations and animations to assess and stabilize pediatric patients experiencing respiratory and shock emergencies, and cardiopulmonary arrest. PEARS prepares students to provide appropriate lifesaving interventions within the initial minutes of response until a child can be transferred to an advanced life support provider.

Who should take this course?

The AHA’s PEARS Course is designed for healthcare providers and others who might encounter pediatric emergency situations during their work, including:

  • Physicians and nurses not specializing in pediatrics
  • Nurse practitioners
  • Physician assistants
  • EMTs,
  • Respiratory therapists
  • Prehospital and in-facility healthcare providers (outside of critical-care areas)
  • Outpatient clinic staff
  • School-based providers
  • Any other healthcare provider who infrequently sees critically ill or injured infants and children

What does this course teach?

  • Systematic pediatric assessment
  • Recognition and stabilization of respiratory emergencies
  • Recognition and stabilization of shock emergencies
  • Recognition and stabilization of cardiopulmonary arrest
  • Resuscitation team concept

Course Completion Card

Students who successfully complete the PEARS Course will receive a PEARS Provider course completion card (print or eCard), valid for 2 years. Course completion requirements include:

  • Active participation in the case discussions
  • Active participation in the rescue breathing skills station and cardiac arrest case simulations
  • Pass the skills tests in 1- and 2-rescuer child BLS with AED and 1- and 2-rescuer infant BLS
  • Pass the video-based written exam with a minimum score of 84%


Compare PEARS Course Options
Classroom Learning

Classroom PEARS

Format

Instructor-led, hands-on class format reinforces skills proficiency

Course Completion

Contact an AHA Training Center in your area to sign up for an Instructor-led class

Time

PEARS is a classroom-based, Instructor-led course.

Course Time: Approximately 9 hours with breaks.

Completion Card

PEARS Provider Course Completion Card, valid for two years

Accessibility

Contact your Training Center to inquire about their facility’s accommodations.

CE/CME

Available

FAQ

PEARS FAQ

Features

  • Improves competency in pediatric basic life support
  • Uses realistic, clinical scenarios that encourage active participation – delivered through actual pediatric patient videos and lifelike animations
  • Includes AHA’s systematic approach to assess, recognize, and stabilize pediatric patients in emergency situations
  • Uses a hands-on class format to reinforce skills proficiency
  • Enhances skills in recognizing respiratory emergencies, shock emergencies, and cardiopulmonary arrest
  • Co-branded with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

Student Materials

15-1052 PEARS Provider Manual, includes

15-1053 PEARS Pocket Reference Card

Also available in eBook (product 15-3123, includes access to PEARS Digital Reference Card)

Instructor Materials

AHA PEARS Instructors and PALS Instructors are authorized to teach the AHA’s PEARS Course.

15-1055 PEARS DVD

15-1054 PEARS Instructor Manual

Also available in eBook (product 15-3125)

OR

15-1057 PEARS Instructor Package (includes PEARS instructor and provider manuals, Course DVD, and PEARS posters)

OPTIONAL:

15-1052 PEARS Provider Manual, includes 15-1053 PEARS Pocket Reference Card

Also available in eBook (product 15-3123, includes access to PEARS Digital Reference Card)

15-1053 PEARS Pocket Reference Card

OPTIONAL:

15-1056 PEARS Posters

Additional course materials available for Instructors at AHA Instructor Network

Ready to take a PEARS Course?

The AHA offers options for how you can purchase PALS or PEARS. You can take a full classroom course, take a blended learning PALS course (includes HeartCode PALS + a hands-on skills session training), or purchase additional course materials. Choose from the options below.

Related Training

 

doctor and nurse consulting about opioid overdose image

Opioid Education for Non-Clinical Staff and Lay Responders

Opioid Education for Non-Clinical Staff and Lay Responders is a 10-15 minute self-directed, eLearning course that educates students (management and employees in workplace settings, non-clinical hospital and healthcare staff, and the general public) on the basics of the opioid epidemic and recognition of an overdose.