A: PEARS stands for Pediatric Emergency Assessment, Recognition and Stabilization.
A: The PEARS course teaches students how to evaluate an emergency and how to provide initial stabilization of seriously ill or injured children and infants. PEARS teaches students how to recognize respiratory distress, shock and cardiac arrest, and the ability to provide the appropriate lifesaving intervention within the initial minutes of arrival. Once the course is complete, students would be able to provide initial care before an advanced life support provider arrives.
A: Students will learn pediatric assessment skills, recognition and management of respiratory problems, recognition and management of shock, recognition and management of cardiac arrest, and proper resuscitation methods.
A: PEARS is recommended for EMTs, medical and surgical nurses, school nurses and any other healthcare provider who does not frequently see seriously ill or injured children and infants.
A: Yes, students who successfully complete the requirements of the course will receive a PEARS course completion card that is valid for 2 years.
Source:
American Heart Association 2012 Pediatric Emergency Assessment, Recognition and Stabilization: http://cpr.heart.org/idc/groups/ahaecc-public/%40wcm/%40ecc/documents/downloadable/ucm_441823.pdf