Paediatric Immediate Life Support (ILS) Training for Healthcare Professionals

Paediatric Immediate Life Support (ILS) Training for Healthcare Professionals

Paediatric Immediate Life Support (ILS) Training is designed for healthcare professionals who may be required to recognise and respond to life-threatening emergencies in infants and children. The course focuses on early identification of clinical deterioration, timely intervention, and structured emergency response aligned with current UK practice.

Paediatric emergencies are time-critical and clinically complex. Children can deteriorate rapidly, often presenting differently to adults, making early assessment and decisive action essential. This course develops the knowledge, confidence, and situational awareness required to manage these scenarios safely and effectively.

By completing this Paediatric Immediate Life Support (ILS) course, professionals strengthen their ability to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care, contribute effectively within multidisciplinary teams, and meet ongoing CPD and regulatory expectations.

About the Paediatric Immediate Life Support (ILS) CPD Course

The Paediatric Immediate Life Support (ILS) course is a structured, clinically focused programme designed for professionals working in environments where paediatric emergencies may occur. It is suitable for clinicians who are not part of specialist resuscitation teams but who are expected to provide immediate, life-saving care until advanced support is available.

The course emphasises the recognition and management of the deteriorating child using systematic assessment and intervention strategies. Learners are guided through common paediatric emergency scenarios, including respiratory failure, shock, and cardiac arrest, with clear links to real-world clinical practice.

Training is aligned with current UK Resuscitation Council guidance and reflects the expectations placed on healthcare professionals across hospital, community, and urgent care settings. The course supports safe clinical decision-making, effective communication, and coordinated team response during high-pressure situations.

What You’ll Learn on the Paediatric Immediate Life Support (ILS) Course

Understanding Paediatric Immediate Life Support

This section introduces the principles underpinning paediatric immediate life support, including the physiological differences between children and adults that influence emergency care. Learners develop a clear understanding of structured assessment frameworks and escalation pathways used in paediatric settings.

Clinical Relevance and Risk Factors

Paediatric patients often compensate well before sudden deterioration. This module explores common risk factors, early warning signs, and patterns of decline that precede respiratory or cardiac arrest, helping clinicians intervene before critical thresholds are crossed.

Practical Management and Best Practice

Learners gain practical insight into managing paediatric emergencies in line with best-practice guidance, including:

• Structured assessment using the ABCDE approach
• Initial airway, breathing, and circulation interventions
• Safe use of oxygen, ventilation, and basic life support measures
• Team communication, leadership, and role clarity during emergencies
• Effective handover to specialist or resuscitation teams

Assessment, Certification & CPD Requirements for Paediatric ILS

Assessment is designed to confirm understanding of key principles and safe clinical decision-making in paediatric emergency care. Learners complete a structured knowledge assessment aligned with course content and clinical standards.

A pass mark is required to demonstrate competence, with opportunities for reassessment available where needed to support learning outcomes. Upon successful completion, participants receive a recognised Paediatric Immediate Life Support (ILS) certificate.

The course provides verifiable CPD hours, supporting ongoing professional development and compliance with regulatory expectations across healthcare and dental professions.

Course Aims for Paediatric Immediate Life Support (ILS)

Educational and Clinical Objectives

The course aims to strengthen clinicians’ ability to recognise, assess, and manage paediatric emergencies safely and effectively. It supports the development of applied clinical knowledge, structured problem-solving, and confident participation in emergency care pathways, ultimately improving patient safety and outcomes.

Learning Objectives for Paediatric Immediate Life Support (ILS)

• Recognise early signs of deterioration in infants and children
• Apply a structured ABCDE approach to paediatric assessment
• Initiate appropriate immediate interventions to stabilise the patient
• Manage paediatric respiratory and cardiac arrest until advanced support arrives
• Communicate effectively within a multidisciplinary emergency team
• Demonstrate safe, guideline-aligned decision-making in high-pressure scenarios

Professional Development & Regulatory Alignment (UK Healthcare)

GDC / Relevant Regulatory Outcome

This course supports continuing professional development requirements for healthcare professionals, including those registered with the General Dental Council (GDC). It aligns with development outcome C, focusing on patient safety, effective team working, and emergency preparedness. The training contributes to maintaining professional competence and meeting regulatory expectations for managing medical emergencies involving children.

Paediatric Immediate Life Support (ILS) Course FAQs

Who is this Paediatric Immediate Life Support course designed for?

The course is suitable for healthcare professionals who may encounter paediatric emergencies, including doctors, nurses, dental professionals, paramedics, allied health professionals, and clinical students.

Is this course suitable for non-hospital settings?

Yes. The training is relevant to hospital, community, dental, educational, and urgent care environments where children may require immediate life-saving intervention.

Does the course cover current UK resuscitation guidance?

Yes. The content is aligned with current UK Resuscitation Council guidelines and reflects accepted best practice in paediatric emergency care.

How is the course assessed?

Assessment typically involves a structured knowledge-based evaluation to confirm understanding of key principles and safe clinical responses.

Will I receive a recognised certificate?

Yes. Successful completion results in a Paediatric Immediate Life Support (ILS) certificate suitable for CPD records and professional portfolios.

How many CPD hours does the course provide?

The course provides verifiable CPD hours, contributing to annual professional development requirements. The exact number is stated on certification.

Does this course meet GDC CPD requirements?

Yes. For dental professionals, the course supports GDC development outcome C, focusing on patient safety and emergency management.

Is prior life support training required?

Previous basic life support experience is beneficial but not mandatory. The course is structured to support learners with varying levels of prior exposure to paediatric emergencies.