Do You Have Your PALS Certification? Illinois First Responders Prepare to Handle Current Health Issues

To be prepared, first responders must not only keep up with required training, but also monitor current health trends in their area. In addition to maintaining their training requirements (e.g. ACLS and/or PALS certification), Illinois first responders must be prepared to deal with the most pressing health issues in their state. Here are some of the top health concerns medical professionals in Illinois are facing.

Children are at risk for unintentional injury. Unintentional injury is the leading cause of death among children and adolescents. According to a 2008 mortality report from the Illinois Department of Health, nearly half of all childhood deaths in Illinois caused by unintentional injury were motor-vehicle-related.

Illinois ranks higher in occurrences of violent crime. Preparing to deal with injuries caused by assault is crucial for Illinois first responders with PALS certification. Illinois was ranked 17th in the country for number of violent crime offenses in 2010, according to StateHealthFacts.org. Additionally, a 2008 mortality report from the Illinois Department of Health showed that physical assault was ranked as the fifth leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 and the third leading cause of death for children ages 5 to 14 in 2008.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is still a big health concern. Despite efforts to raise awareness about SIDS, the condition is still the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 12 months. In 2010 alone, Illinois had 1,138 infant deaths, ranking as the 20th highest infant death rate in the country.

Childhood obesity rates are rising. The obesity epidemic has started to affect the health of children, and Illinois’ population is no exception – 35 percent of children in the state are obese, which is 4 percent higher than the national rate. Children who are overweight or obese face additional health risks that children who maintain a healthy weight do not.

Health Ed Solutions and PALS Certification/PALS Recertification: Illinois

Health Ed Solutions is the leading online provider of courses for ACLS and PALS certification, and ACLS and PALS recertification (Illinois may require healthcare professionals to maintain this certification). The PALS online course is geared toward healthcare professionals. Learn more about online PALS certification.