Advanced Paediatric Life Support (APLS) Course HPUSM Kelantan

We are pleased to report the successful implementation of the Advanced Paediatric Life Support (APLS) course at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Kelantan. This achievement represents a significant milestone in enhancing standardized resuscitation guidelines to healthcare providers in the region. The course effectively intergrated theoretical knowledge with practical skills training, equipping participants with comprehensive exposure to pediatric emergency management using a structured approach.

Course Overview

Date and Venue

The APLS course was conducted on 10-12th February 2025 at Blok Pembelajaran Dan Sumber Pelajar (BPSP), Hospital Pakar Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan.

Collboration with:

Paediatric Department, Universiti Sains Malaysia
Kelab Pediatrik HPUSM
Integrated Clinical Simulation Centre (ICSC)
Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II
Malaysia Paediatric Resuscitation Society (MPRS)

Participation

Total number of participants: 24
Participant profile: Paediatricians, Postgraduate students, and Medical Officers in Paediatrics from across Malaysia

Faculty

The course was facilitated by a diverse team of instructors including:

Course Director: Dr. Zainah Shaikh Hedra
Local Host Coordinator: Dr. Farohah Che Mat Zain
Guest Instructors:
- Zainah Shaikh Hedra (Johor)
- Sharifah Huda Engku Alwi (Terengganu)
- Abd. Kursi bin Abdul Latif (Perak)
- Ng Siew Gar (Selangor)
- Farohah Che Mat Zain (USM, Kelantan)
- Nur Ezdiani Che Md Azim (Kelantan)
- Mariana bt Daud (Kelantan)
- Nik Khairulddin bin Nik Yusoff (Kelantan)
- Pazlida Binti Pauzi (Kelantan)
- Mohd Hazman Kamaruzaman (USM, Kelantan)
- Wan Nazimmah binti Wan Mahmood (Kelantan)

Course Structure and Content

Pre-course Assessment

The course commenced with a multiple-choice assessment based on APLS e-module to establish baseline knowledge and identify areas requiring focus.

Theoretical Component

Interactive Lectures covered essential topics in three key areas:

Structured approach to assessing the seriously ill child
Structured approach to trauma
Structured approach to Cardiac arrest

Practical Component

Participants were divided into small groups for hands-on training that included:

Skill stations focusing on airway management, vascular access, and defibrillation
Simulated scenarios of common pediatric emergencies
Role-playing exercises as both team leaders and team members
Structured debriefing sessions after each scenario to reinforce learning

Assessment

Participants were evaluated through:

Continuous assessment during practical sessions
Theoretical examination
Practical skills demonstration and scenario management

Achievements and Outcomes

All participants successfully completed the course requirements, demonstrating proficiency in the structured approach to paediatric emergencies. This represents the first APLS course conducted in Kelantan, marking an important step in standardizing paediatric emergency care in the region.

Acknowledgments

The successful implementation of this course was made possible through collaboration between multiple institutions and individuals. Special acknowledgment goes to all instructors, committee members, and candidates whose participation and engagement contributed to the course's success. We also thank the administration of USM and HRPZ II for their support in providing facilities and resources.

Conclusion

The successful organization of the APLS course at USM Kelantan demonstrates the power of teamwork and dedication in advancing pediatric emergency care. This achievement aligns with national objectives to standardize resuscitation guidelines across Malaysia and represents a significant step forward in pediatric healthcare delivery in the region.

This course has not only enhanced the clinical capabilities of participants but has also strengthened professional networks and fostered collaboration between different healthcare institutions. We look forward to building on this success to further improve pediatric emergency care throughout Malaysia.

Report prepared by:

Dr. Farohah Che Mat Zain

Coordinator of Pediatric & Neonatal Resuscitation in USM

Instructor with candidates

Lecture by instructor

Simulation demonstration by instructor

Simulation discussion with candidates