If you’ve spent any time in a clinical setting or you’re gearing up for PALS certification, you have probably come across more abbreviations than you can count. They’re part of everyday communication in pediatric emergencies, helping teams stay efficient and focused when it matters most. Still, remembering what each one means (and when to use it) can feel like learning a new language. That’s where this guide comes in. We’ve rounded up the most commonly used abbreviations in PALS to help you build familiarity and confidence, whether you’re studying for an exam or sharpening your skills on the job.
List of Common PALS Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
| AAP | American Academy of Pediatrics |
| ABCD | Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Differential Diagnosis |
| ABCDE | Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure |
| ACLS | Advanced Cardiac Life Support |
| AED | Automated External Defibrillator |
| AHA | American Heart Association |
| ALS | Advanced Life Support |
| AV | Atrioventricular |
| AVPU | Alert, Verbal, Pain, Unresponsive |
| BLS | Basic Life Support |
| BP | Blood Pressure |
| BPM | Beats Per Minute |
| CAB | Circulation, Airway, Breathing |
| CHF | Congestive Heart Failure |
| CPR | Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation |
| CT | Computed Tomography |
| ECG | Electrocardiogram |
| ECPR | Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation |
| ED | Emergency Department |
| EMS | Emergency Medical Services |
| EMT | Emergency Medical Technician |
| ET | Endotracheal |
| ETCO₂ | End-Tidal Carbon Dioxide |
| ETT | Endotracheal Tube |
| FDA | Food and Drug Administration |
| GCS | Glasgow Coma Scale |
| GI | Gastrointestinal |
| HR | Heart Rate |
| ICU | Intensive Care Unit |
| IHCA | In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest |
| IM | Intramuscular |
| IN | Intranasal |
| IO | Intraosseous |
| IV | Intravenous |
| LMA | Laryngeal Mask Airway |
| LV | Left Ventricle |
| mA | Milliamperes |
| MAP | Mean Arterial Pressure |
| mg/kg | Milligrams per Kilogram |
| MI | Myocardial Infarction |
| NIH | National Institutes of Health |
| NPA | Nasopharyngeal Airway |
| NS | Normal Saline |
| OHCA | Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest |
| OPA | Oropharyngeal Airway |
| PAD | Public Access Defibrillation |
| PALS | Pediatric Advanced Life Support |
| PaO₂ | Arterial Partial Pressure of Oxygen |
| PAO₂ | Alveolar Partial Pressure of Oxygen |
| PE | Pulmonary Embolism |
| PEA | Pulseless Electrical Activity |
| PETCO₂ | Partial Pressure of End-Tidal Carbon Dioxide |
| PICU | Pediatric Intensive Care Unit |
| PSVT | Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia |
| PVCs | Premature Ventricular Contractions |
| pVT | Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia |
| RN | Registered Nurse |
| ROSC | Return of Spontaneous Circulation |
| RR | Respiratory Rate |
| RRT | Rapid Response Team |
| RV | Right Ventricle |
| SBP | Systolic Blood Pressure |
| SAMPLE | Signs/Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past Medical History, Last Meal, Events |
| SPAM | Signs/Symptoms, Past Medical History, Allergies, Medications |
| SpO₂ | Peripheral Capillary Oxygen Saturation |
| SVT | Supraventricular Tachycardia |
| TCP | Transcutaneous Pacing |
| TTM | Targeted Temperature Management |
| VF / V-Fib | Ventricular Fibrillation |
| VT | Ventricular Tachycardia |
How to Remember and Use Abbreviations
Abbreviations in PALS can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right approach, they’ll start to stick. One of the easiest ways to build familiarity is through repetition—reading, hearing, and using them in context. Flashcards or mnemonic devices can help too, especially for longer or more complex terms.
Another tip? Don’t just memorize the letters. You have to understand what they represent and how they apply in real-life scenarios. For example, knowing that ROSC means Return of Spontaneous Circulation is helpful, but connecting it to the moment when a patient regains a pulse after resuscitation makes it meaningful.
If you’re in training or reviewing course materials, try quizzing yourself or discussing abbreviations with classmates and coworkers. The more you use them, the more natural they’ll become.
Conclusion
At the heart of every effective care team is clear communication—and that starts with speaking the same language. PALS abbreviations aren’t just technical jargon; they’re part of the shared understanding that helps teams work together smoothly and provide better care for pediatric patients.
Taking the time to learn these terms is an investment in your practice. It helps reduce confusion, builds trust among team members, and ensures that everyone is on the same page when it matters most.
And if you’re ready to turn that knowledge into hands-on skill, Heart Start CPR is here to support your journey with training that’s practical, engaging, and built around real-life scenarios. Join a PALS course with us and take the next step in your training.
