PALS Course in Ottawa
PALS Course in Ottawa | Heart & Stroke PALS Certification & Renewal
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Training for Healthcare Providers in Ottawa, Ontario
When an infant or child experiences a serious respiratory, shock or cardiac emergency, rapid assessment and coordinated intervention make a critical difference.
Looking for a PALS course in Ottawa? First Aid Plus is an authorized Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada Training Site offering the Heart & Stroke PALS Provider course, the one-day PALS Provider Renewal (recertification) course and PALS Blended learning at our training centre in Nepean, serving Ottawa, Kanata, Barrhaven, Orleans, Gatineau and Eastern Ontario.
Heart & Stroke PALS is designed for physicians, nurses, paramedics, respiratory therapists and other healthcare professionals who initiate and direct advanced life support in pediatric emergencies. Through scenario-based instruction, hands-on skills practice and team-based simulations, participants learn to recognize deterioration early and respond effectively to critically ill infants and children.
Your Heart & Stroke PALS card is recognized by hospitals, colleges and regulatory bodies across Canada and is valid for two years.
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What Is PALS? (Pediatric Advanced Life Support Explained)
PALS stands for Pediatric Advanced Life Support. It is the advanced resuscitation certification for healthcare providers who care for critically ill or injured infants and children, taken after Basic Life Support (BLS).
The Heart & Stroke PALS course builds on BLS skills and teaches a systematic approach to pediatric assessment and emergency management, from the first minutes through stabilization and transport, in or out of hospital. Participants in our Ottawa PALS course practise and demonstrate proficiency in:
- Systematic pediatric assessment (evaluate–identify–intervene)
- High-quality infant and child CPR (one- and two-rescuer) and AED use
- Recognition and management of respiratory distress and respiratory failure
- Recognition and management of compensated and hypotensive shock
- Effective airway management and use of adjuncts
- Pediatric ECG rhythm recognition
- Bradycardia and tachycardia algorithms
- Pediatric cardiopulmonary arrest management
- Defibrillation and synchronized cardioversion
- Intraosseous (IO) access and fluid bolus administration
- Pediatric resuscitation pharmacology
- Post-cardiac arrest management
- High-performance team dynamics, communication and leadership
The course emphasizes early recognition of the child at risk for cardiopulmonary arrest, the integration of BLS with PALS interventions, and effective teamwork during resuscitation.
Who Needs PALS Certification?
PALS certification is required or recommended for healthcare professionals who direct or participate in the management of respiratory, shock or cardiovascular emergencies and cardiopulmonary arrest in infants and children, including:
- Physicians, residents and medical students
- Registered nurses, registered practical nurses and nurse practitioners
- Paramedics (PCP, ACP, CCP)
- Respiratory therapists
- Pediatric emergency, PICU, NICU, pediatric ward and pediatric transport staff
- Emergency department, ICU and operating room personnel who receive pediatric patients
- Pediatric dental and anesthesia professionals
- Nursing, paramedic and medical students requiring PALS for clinical placement
- Any healthcare professional whose employer, regulatory college, school or professional designation requires a PALS course completion card
PALS requirements vary by employer, organization and program. Confirm the specific certification you need with your employer or educational institution before registering.
PALS Provider vs. PALS Renewal: Which Course Do I Need?
Heart & Stroke PALS Provider Course (2 Days)
The full PALS Provider course is for participants taking PALS for the first time, or whose previous Heart & Stroke PALS card has expired.
- Format: instructor-led, scenario-based, with hands-on practice and simulated pediatric emergencies
- Length: 14 hours (2 days)
- Certification: Heart & Stroke PALS Provider card, valid 2 years
- Price: $350 + HST
Heart & Stroke PALS Provider Renewal / Recertification (1 Day)
The PALS Renewal course (also called PALS recertification) is a concentrated one-day course for experienced providers who hold a current, unexpiredHeart & Stroke PALS Provider card.
- Format: instructor-led, with skills evaluation and simulated pediatric emergencies
- Length: 8 hours (1 day)
- Certification: Heart & Stroke PALS Provider card, valid 2 years
- Price: $225 + HST
Important: Heart & Stroke does not permit participants with an expired PALS card to attend the Renewal course. Your card expires two years to the day after it was issued. If it has expired, you must complete the full PALS Provider course. Bring your current card (printed or digital) to class.
PALS Blended Learning (Online + In-Class)
The PALS Blended course combines self-paced online learning modules with a 9-hour instructor-led classroom session in Ottawa for skills practice, simulations and testing. The online portion is included in the course fee and must be completed before attending the in-class session. Ideal for shift workers and busy clinicians.
Not sure which PALS course you need? Contact First Aid Plus before registering and we will confirm the right option for you.
PALS Course Prerequisites
Heart & Stroke PALS is an advanced-level course. Every participant must meet the following before attending:
1. A current Heart & Stroke BLS Provider card Your BLS must be issued by the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada. BLS or CPR certificates from other agencies (Canadian Red Cross, St. John Ambulance, Lifesaving Society, etc.) are not accepted for PALS. If your Heart & Stroke BLS has expired, or you hold BLS from another provider, you must either:
- complete the full Heart & Stroke BLS Provider course in Ottawa, or
- complete the online Heart & Stroke BLS Provider Renewal Prerequisite Challenge (approx. $10, valid 90 days) and then attend a BLS Renewal course.
Many participants book BLS and PALS together. Ask us about combined scheduling.
2. The mandatory PALS Precourse Self-Assessment A passing score of 70% or higher is required. The link is sent to you after registration. Print your certificate and bring it to class.
3. Required course materials See "What You Need Before Your PALS Course" below.
4. Expected entry-level competencies Participants are expected to arrive able to:
- perform high-quality infant and child BLS according to current Heart & Stroke guidelines
- recognize common pediatric ECG rhythms
- manage a pediatric airway and use airway adjuncts
- demonstrate a basic understanding of pediatric cardiopulmonary pharmacology
- participate effectively as a member of a high-performance team
CPR, ECG interpretation and pharmacology are not taught in the PALS course; they are assessed.
What You Need Before Your PALS Course
Heart & Stroke requires each participant to have their own current PALS course materials before, during and after the course. Materials are not included in the course fee.
Required materials:
- Heart & Stroke PALS Provider Manual (includes the PALS Reference Card)
- Heart & Stroke Handbook of Emergency Cardiovascular Care for Healthcare Providers
Materials are available directly from First Aid Plus (PALS course materials) or from the Heart & Stroke online store. We recommend reading the Provider Manual in full before attending.
You will also need a Heart & Stroke ID number to be registered for your course. If you do not have one, create a free account on the Heart & Stroke Resuscitation Portal at cpr.heartandstroke.ca before registering.
How Long Is the PALS Course?
| PALS Course | Length |
| PALS Provider (initial certification) | 14 hours (2 days) |
| PALS Provider Renewal (recertification) | 8 hours (1 day) |
| PALS Blended | Self-paced online + 9 hours in class |
How Long Is PALS Certification Valid in Canada?
A Heart & Stroke PALS Provider course completion card is valid for two years to the day from the date it was issued.
Your employer, educational institution or professional organization may require more frequent renewal. To attend the one-day PALS Renewal course, your card must still be current on the day of the course.
PALS Certification Requirements
To receive a Heart & Stroke PALS Provider card, participants must:
- complete the mandatory Precourse Self-Assessment (70% or higher)
- hold a current Heart & Stroke BLS Provider card
- attend the full course
- demonstrate high-quality infant and child BLS skills
- participate in and successfully complete the simulated pediatric emergency scenarios (Megacode)
- pass the written exam
- pass the practical skills test
Successful participants receive a Heart & Stroke PALS Provider card valid for two years.
Where Is PALS Training Offered? Ottawa and Eastern Ontario
First Aid Plus Training Centre 101-301 Moodie Drive Ottawa (Nepean), Ontario K2H 9C4 Free on-site parking. Minutes from Kanata, Barrhaven, Bells Corners and Stittsville; easy access from Gatineau and downtown Ottawa via Highway 417.
Additional PALS course dates are scheduled in Thunder Bay and Gananoque, and on request in Kingston, Pembroke, Arnprior, Kemptville, Smiths Falls and the Montreal region.
We also deliver on-site PALS training for hospitals, pediatric units, clinics, EMS services and healthcare teams anywhere in Ontario and Quebec. Contact us to discuss group or workplace PALS training.
PALS Course Price in Ottawa
| PALS Course | Price |
| PALS Provider (2 days) | $350 + HST |
| PALS Provider Renewal (1 day) | $225 + HST |
| PALS Blended (online + 1 day) | $[CONFIRM] + HST |
Course fees include instruction, equipment and your Heart & Stroke PALS Provider card. The Blended course fee also includes the online learning module. Required course materials (Provider Manual and ECC Handbook) are purchased separately.
For group bookings or organizational training, contact us for a customized quotation. Ask about our Price Match Guarantee.
Upcoming PALS Courses in Ottawa
Spaces are limited. Courses are confirmed based on registration.
Don't see a date that works for you? Contact First Aid Plus. We can often accommodate individual, group, workplace or organizational PALS training needs.
How to Register for PALS in Ottawa
1. Choose your course Select PALS Provider or PALS Provider Renewal based on your current certification. If unsure, contact us first.
2. Confirm your prerequisites Make sure you hold a current Heart & Stroke BLS Provider card and, for Renewal, a current Heart & Stroke PALS card.
3. Get your Heart & Stroke ID Create a free account on the Heart & Stroke Resuscitation Portal if you don't already have one.
4. Select your date and register online Each participant must register with their own email address.
5. Order your course materials Obtain the PALS Provider Manual and ECC Handbook and review them before class.
6. Complete the Precourse Self-Assessment Score 70% or higher and bring your certificate to class. Blended participants also complete the online module.
7. Attend your course Participate in the instruction, skills practice, simulations, written exam and skills test.
8. Receive your certification Your Heart & Stroke PALS Provider card is issued on successful completion.
Why Choose First Aid Plus for PALS Training in Ottawa?
Authorized Heart & Stroke Training Site First Aid Plus is an authorized Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada Training Site. Your PALS card is issued by Heart & Stroke and recognized by healthcare employers, colleges and regulatory bodies across Canada.
Experienced Pediatric and Critical-Care InstructorsLearn from physicians, nurses, paramedics and critical-care clinicians who manage pediatric emergencies in practice and bring real cases into the classroom.
Practical, Scenario-Based Training PALS is about more than memorizing algorithms. Our training emphasizes realistic pediatric simulations, hands-on practice, communication, teamwork and clinical decision-making under pressure.
Flexible Options Full Provider, one-day Renewal, Blended learning, multiple locations, and on-site delivery for healthcare teams and organizations.
Bilingual Service Training and support available in English and French. Formation PALS (SARP) disponible en français.
Canadian and Veteran Owned First Aid Plus is a 100% Canadian, veteran-owned company serving Ottawa since 2009 and a Community Votes 2026 Platinum winner.
A Complete Training Partner From BLS and Standard First Aid to ACLS, PALS, ITLS and other advanced emergency-response courses, First Aid Plus supports your continuing education and workplace preparedness under one roof.
Related Healthcare Provider Courses in Ottawa
- Heart & Stroke BLS Provider — required before PALS
- Heart & Stroke BLS Renewal
- Heart & Stroke ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support)
- ITLS (International Trauma Life Support)
- All Healthcare Provider Courses
- PALS Course Materials and Manuals
PALS Frequently Asked Questions
What does PALS stand for? PALS stands for Pediatric Advanced Life Support, the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada's advanced resuscitation course for infants and children.
Who should take PALS? Healthcare professionals who initiate or direct advanced life support in pediatric emergencies: physicians, nurses, paramedics, respiratory therapists and emergency, ICU, PICU and NICU staff.
Do I need BLS before taking PALS? Yes. Heart & Stroke requires a current Heart & Stroke BLS Provider card. BLS from other agencies is not accepted.
Can I take PALS with a BLS card from Red Cross or St. John Ambulance? No. Complete the Heart & Stroke BLS Provider course, or the online BLS Renewal Prerequisite Challenge followed by a BLS Renewal course, before attending PALS.
My PALS card expired. Can I take the PALS Renewal course? No. Heart & Stroke does not permit expired providers to attend the Renewal course. You will need to take the full PALS Provider course.
How long does Heart & Stroke PALS certification last?Two years to the day from the date of issue.
How much does a PALS course cost in Ottawa? The Heart & Stroke PALS Provider course is $350 + HST and the one-day PALS Renewal is $225 + HST at First Aid Plus. Course materials are purchased separately.
How long is the PALS course? The PALS Provider course is 14 hours over two days. The PALS Renewal course is 8 hours in one day. The Blended course is self-paced online plus 9 hours in class.
Can I take PALS online? The online portion of the Blended course can be completed at your own pace, but the hands-on skills, simulations and testing must be completed in person at our Ottawa training centre.
Are course materials included in the price? No. Heart & Stroke requires every participant to have their own current PALS Provider Manual and ECC Handbook. Both are available from First Aid Plus or the Heart & Stroke online store.
Is Heart & Stroke PALS the same as AHA PALS? Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada delivers the PALS program in Canada under licence from the American Heart Association, using the same science and algorithms. In Canada, healthcare employers and regulators recognize the Heart & Stroke card.
Is PALS the same as PEARS? No. PEARS (Pediatric Emergency Assessment, Recognition and Stabilization) focuses on early recognition and stabilization for providers who see pediatric patients infrequently. PALS is the full advanced resuscitation course for providers who direct pediatric emergency care.
Is PALS required for nurses or paramedics? It depends on your role and employer. Nurses in emergency, pediatric, PICU or NICU settings and paramedics who manage pediatric emergencies are commonly required to maintain PALS. Confirm with your employer or regulatory college.
Can I take PALS if I am a student? Yes, if your program requires it and you meet the prerequisites. Many nursing, paramedic and medical programs require PALS for pediatric clinical placements. Contact us if you are unsure.
Do you offer PALS in French? Yes. Contact us for French-language PALS course availability in the Ottawa–Gatineau region.
Do you offer group or on-site PALS training? Yes. We deliver PALS on site for hospitals, pediatric units, clinics, EMS services and healthcare teams across Ontario and Quebec. Contact us for a group quotation.
What if I don't know whether I need Provider or Renewal? Contact us before registering. We will confirm the right course based on your current certification.
Ready to Get PALS Certified in Ottawa?
Pediatric emergencies evolve quickly. Build the assessment skills, clinical decision-making and teamwork needed to respond effectively when a child's life depends on it.
Register for Heart & Stroke PALS training with First Aid Plus in Ottawa today.
Questions about PALS prerequisites, renewal, course dates or certification requirements? Contact First Aid Plus at info@firstaidplus.ca or 613-726-7587 and our team will be happy to help.