PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) is designed for infants under one year old and children up to puberty or approximately age 8.
Here's a breakdown of the age considerations for PALS:
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Infants: PALS guidelines specifically address the unique physiological needs of infants (under 1 year old) in emergency situations.
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Children: PALS protocols are applicable to children up to the onset of puberty or roughly age 8. This age range represents a critical period of development with distinct medical considerations compared to adults.
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Transition to Adult Protocols: After puberty or around age 8, adult CPR and advanced life support protocols generally apply. Some pediatric hospitals may extend pediatric care definitions to the "end of the 18th year," but PALS training primarily focuses on the younger age range.
In summary, PALS is tailored for healthcare providers who treat infants and young children experiencing life-threatening emergencies, encompassing ages from infancy to approximately 8 years old.
