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Paediatric Immediate Life Support (PILS) Training

Hands-On Emergency Care Training for Critically Ill Children

This one-day Paediatric Immediate Life Support (PILS) course develops the practical skills needed to recognise and manage seriously ill infants and children, initiate appropriate treatment and respond effectively to paediatric medical emergencies. Aligned with current Resuscitation Council UK guidance, training combines hands-on practice with realistic paediatric emergency scenarios led by practising clinicians.

Course Overview

Paediatric Immediate Life Support training follows current Resuscitation Council UK guidance and focuses on the early recognition and management of the seriously ill infant or child. Throughout the course, delegates develop the practical and non-technical skills needed to assess paediatric patients, initiate appropriate treatment and work effectively within a paediatric resuscitation team.

Using realistic simulations, hands-on skill stations and interactive workshops, participants develop strong clinical skills together with the communication, teamwork and leadership needed to function effectively within a paediatric resuscitation team.

The course develops the knowledge and practical skills required to recognise deterioration in infants and children, begin appropriate treatment and manage paediatric medical emergencies. Training places equal emphasis on clinical assessment, safe intervention and effective teamwork during time-critical situations.

All learners receive a comprehensive PILS manual in advance to support pre-course preparation and knowledge development.

Clinicians practising paediatric resuscitation on an infant manikin during PILS training

Certification

Successful delegates receive a Resuscitation Council UK Paediatric Immediate Life Support (PILS) certificate, valid for one year.

CPD

The course typically provides 5 CPD hours / 5 CME points where applicable.

Alternative Training Options

e-PILS (Blended Learning)

Candidates complete the theory online before attending a face-to-face practical session focused on skills application and realistic paediatric emergency scenarios. This flexible format reduces time away from clinical practice while maintaining the practical elements of the course.

PILS Recertification

Designed for existing PILS providers who need to renew their qualification through a focused refresher covering practical skills, teamwork and current Resuscitation Council UK guidance. Evidence of a current or recently expired PILS certificate is required before attending.

What You'll Learn During the Course

Throughout the course, delegates work through realistic paediatric emergency scenarios designed to reinforce the recognition of serious illness, structured assessment and effective team working. Practical skills are introduced through demonstration and hands-on practice before being applied within simulated clinical situations that reflect the challenges of caring for infants and children in everyday clinical practice.

Further Course Information

This course follows current Resuscitation Council UK guidance. Further information about the Paediatric Immediate Life Support programme is available from the Resuscitation Council UK.

Learning Outcomes

Delegates who successfully complete the Paediatric Immediate Life Support (PILS) course will be able to:

  • Apply a structured ABCDE approach to rapidly recognise seriously ill or deteriorating infants and children.
  • Deliver timely initial treatment to prevent cardio-respiratory arrest wherever possible.
  • Provide safe and effective life support for children in respiratory or cardio-respiratory arrest until the arrival of a paediatric resuscitation team or more experienced assistance.
  • Work confidently as part of a paediatric resuscitation team, using clear communication, leadership and teamwork skills in high-pressure situations.

Course Length:
At least 1 day

Course Assessment:
Assessment takes place throughout the course using practical observation and structured paediatric emergency scenarios in accordance with current Resuscitation Council UK requirements.

Course Structure & Programme

Teaching combines short lectures, practical skill stations and realistic paediatric emergency scenarios, allowing delegates to build confidence before applying their knowledge within structured team-based simulations that reflect clinical practice.

Teaching methods include:

  • Interactive lectures and demonstrations
  • Small-group workshops and discussions
  • Practical skill stations with manikins and equipment
  • Simulation scenarios with facilitated debrief

Practical Stations

  • The ABCDE approach to assessing the seriously unwell child
  • Basic life support and choking management
  • Airway management and ventilation, including adjuncts
  • BLS with adjuncts (e.g. airway devices, oxygen)
  • Emergency circulatory access, fluid resuscitation and medications administration
  • Simulation practice using realistic paediatric emergency scenarios
  • Optional targeted training tailored to the needs of your team or setting

Lectures & Scenarios

  • Recognition and initial management of the seriously ill child
  • Paediatric ALS algorithm and management of cardio-respiratory arrest
  • Team roles, communication and human factors in paediatric resuscitation

Paediatric Immediate Life Support FAQs

Paediatric Immediate Life Support (PILS) training prepares healthcare professionals to recognise deterioration, begin appropriate treatment and manage medical emergencies involving infants and children. The course follows current Resuscitation Council UK guidance and combines practical skills with realistic paediatric emergency scenarios.

PILS is intended for registered healthcare professionals who may be required to assess or manage seriously ill infants and children as part of their clinical role. This includes doctors, Nurses, paramedics, operating department practitioners and other clinicians working in acute, community or paediatric healthcare settings.

Immediate Life Support (ILS) focuses on recognising and managing deteriorating adult patients, while Paediatric Immediate Life Support (PILS) is designed specifically for the assessment and management of seriously ill infants and children. The clinical assessment, treatment priorities and resuscitation guidelines differ between adult and paediatric patients, which is why separate courses are provided.

The Resuscitation Council UK PILS certificate is normally valid for one year. Healthcare professionals who wish to maintain their qualification can attend a PILS recertification course before their certificate expires.

e-PILS is a blended learning option that combines online study with a face-to-face practical session. Delegates complete the theory before attending practical training and assessment, leading to the same Resuscitation Council UK certification as the standard PILS course.

It is recommended that candidates hold a valid Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate or have equivalent clinical experience. If you’re unsure whether this is the most appropriate course for your role, we’re happy to advise before you book.

Assessment takes place throughout the course using practical observation and structured paediatric emergency scenarios in accordance with current Resuscitation Council UK requirements.

Paediatric Immediate Life Support training can be delivered at healthcare organisations throughout the UK or at scheduled training venues. Onsite training is available for hospitals, community healthcare providers and other organisations requiring group training.

Yes. Group training can be arranged for hospitals, community services, GP practices and other healthcare organisations. Training can also be adapted to reflect local equipment, policies and clinical requirements where appropriate.

Yes. Course content follows current Resuscitation Council UK guidance and is reviewed to reflect changes to national recommendations. Training is delivered by practising clinicians with current clinical experience.

Paediatric Immediate Life Support certification is generally renewed every year to help healthcare professionals maintain their knowledge, practical skills and familiarity with current Resuscitation Council UK guidance. Refresher and recertification courses are available for existing providers.

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    Contact Details

    Whether you’d like to discuss your training requirements, book a course, or get expert advice, our friendly clinical team would love to hear from you.

    Phone: 0333 0122 999
    Email: info@rcmstraining.co.uk

    Resuscitation Consultancy Medical Services Ltd
    86 Forest Walk
    Buckley, Flintshire
    CH7 3AR

    Opening Hours:
    Monday – Friday: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
    Saturday: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
    Sunday: Closed