What does APLS mean in BRITISH MEDICINE

APLS is an evidence-based approach to managing critically ill or injured children in an emergency setting. It uses resuscitation, pharmacology, airway management, trauma and diagnostic skills to help improve the chances of survival for children in a medical crisis.

Techniques used during APLS training include resuscitation, airway management, pharmacology and trauma care. These techniques aim to provide rapid assessment, stabilisation and transfer of children with medical crises or severe injuries.

APLS is suitable for all healthcare professionals who assess, diagnose and manage critically ill or injured children in an emergency setting. This includes clinicians working in pre-hospital settings such as paramedics and nurses as well as hospital staff such as doctors, nurses and paramedics.

APLS works by using a structured approach to assess and manage critically ill or injured children quickly and efficiently. This includes assessing the child's condition through physical examination; providing initial stabilisation through interventions such as airway management; diagnosing any underlying condition; monitoring the child's response to treatment; transferring the patient if necessary; and providing ongoing care until discharge or transfer to another facility.

It is recommended that health professionals attend refresher APLS training every three years. However it is also important that healthcare practitioners maintain their ability to use resuscitation techniques regularly throughout this time period.