Please note: You can also complete this training as e-PILS (online theory plus face-to-face practical) or as a ½-day PILS recertification course for those with a valid or recently expired certificate.
Why Choose Our PILS Training?
The Paediatric Immediate Life Support (PILS) course is designed to give healthcare professionals the confidence and competence to recognise and manage paediatric emergencies effectively. Developed for clinicians working in acute, pre-hospital, community, or paediatric environments, the course focuses on rapid recognition, early intervention, and safe management of life-threatening conditions.
Using realistic simulations, hands-on skill stations, and interactive workshops, participants develop strong clinical skills along with the non-technical behaviours—such as communication, teamwork, and leadership—needed to function effectively within a paediatric resuscitation team.
This training is ideal for:
- Nurses
- Doctors
- Paramedics
- Allied health professionals and other clinicians involved in paediatric care
Course Overview
Resuscitation Consultancy Medical Services (RCMS) is an accredited RCUK course centre, delivering Paediatric Immediate Life Support (PILS) training in accordance with the latest UK Resuscitation Council guidelines.
This nationally recognised course teaches essential skills for managing deteriorating children, identifying the causes of acute deterioration, and treating paediatric cardiac arrest. Delegates also develop leadership and teamwork abilities that are crucial during high-pressure emergency situations.
A PILS qualification is respected across the UK and Europe, reflecting the high standards required for urgent paediatric care. All learners receive a comprehensive PILS manual in advance to support pre-course preparation and knowledge development.
RCUK PILS Certification
Delegates who successfully complete the course receive a Resuscitation Council UK PILS certificate, valid for 1 year, along with 5 CME / 5 CPD hours.
Half-day PILS Refresher Courses
For clinicians who have already completed a full PILS course within the past year, RCMS offers ½-day PILS refresher training. This condensed programme reinforces key skills, updates learners on current guidelines, and helps maintain confidence in managing paediatric emergencies.
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 is continuous
Course Structure & Programme
The PILS course blends pre-course reading with highly practical, scenario-based teaching to build confidence and competence in managing paediatric emergencies.
Teaching methods include:
- Interactive lectures and demonstrations
- Small-group workshops and discussions
- Practical skill stations with manikins and equipment
- Simulation scenarios with facilitated debrief
Candidates receive a PILS manual around two weeks before the course to support pre-course study and online learning.
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
RCUK PILS Certification & Accreditation
All successful candidates will receive a Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK) Paediatric Immediate Life Support (PILS) certificate, valid for 1 year and accredited for CPD/CME hours.
This qualification is recognised across the UK and Europe, supporting your clinical role in any setting where paediatric emergency care may be required.
For further course information, visit the RCUK website
Paediatric Immediate Life Support FAQs
PILS (Paediatric Immediate Life Support) training is an RCUK-certified course that equips healthcare professionals with the essential skills to recognise and manage critically ill infants and children. The course covers rapid assessment, early intervention, and the management of paediatric emergencies such as respiratory failure, shock, and cardiac arrest.
PILS is ideal for healthcare professionals who may be required to respond to paediatric emergencies, including doctors, Nurses, paramedics, ODPs, healthcare assistants, and clinical staff working in acute, community, or paediatric settings. It is also relevant for those working in out-of-hospital or urgent care environments.
The course includes pre-course reading, hands-on skill stations, simulations, lectures, and interactive workshops. Delegates learn airway management, CPR, use of adjuncts, medication administration, circulatory access, teamwork, and how to manage life-threatening paediatric emergencies including choking, anaphylaxis, and respiratory/cardiac arrest.
Your Resuscitation Council UK PILS certificate is valid for 1 year. Delegates can renew their qualification by completing a half-day PILS Recertification Course, provided their current certificate is valid or has recently expired.
e-PILS is a blended learning pathway that allows candidates to complete online videos, lectures, and assessments before attending a shorter, face-to-face practical session. Certification is identical to the full PILS course.
It is recommended that candidates hold a valid Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate or have equivalent clinical experience. If you are unsure, our clinical team can advise on suitability.
Yes. Assessment is continuous throughout the course and based on RCUK learning outcomes, including practical skills, teamwork, and performance in simulated scenarios.
We can deliver PILS training at your workplace for groups, or you can attend one of our scheduled training venues. Contact us to discuss on-site delivery or upcoming course dates.
Yes. We regularly deliver PILS training for hospitals, GP practices, community services, and paediatric departments. Training can be tailored to your clinical environment and equipment.
We recommend comfortable clothing suitable for practical exercises. If pre-course materials have been provided (e.g., PILS manual), please ensure all required reading and online modules are completed beforehand.
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Simply complete the form below and one of our practising healthcare professionals will be in touch shortly to discuss your training needs or answer any questions you may have.
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