OBJECTIVE to evaluate the efficiency of the first experience in pediatric basic and advanced life support courses in Spain. METHODS we have given two pediatric basic life support (PBLS) courses of 8 h each to 52 school teachers and ambulance drivers, and 10 30-h pediatric advanced life support (PALS) courses to 276 health professionals, 62 nurses and 214 physicians (80 pediatricians, 57 pediatric, anesthesiology and intensive care medicine residents, 10 general physicians and 52 emergency physicians). We developed the courses according to the guidelines for pediatric life support from the European Resuscitation Council. We performed an initial and final theoretical written test, continuous practical evaluation and a written survey about the quality of the course. RESULTS on PBLS courses, only 12% of practitioners answered at least 80% of the questions in the initial theory test correctly, compared with 77% in the final test (P < 0.001). All the students acquired skills in basic pediatric resuscitation. In the PALS courses, only 30% of practitioners answered at least 75% of the questions in the initial test correctly (35% of physicians and 12% of nurses, P < 0.01); this percentage increased to 95.6% in the final test (96% of physicians and 93.5% of nurses, P < 0.05). Of students, 95% acquired skills in advanced pediatric resuscitation. All students and teachers considered the theoretical and practical formation received adequate. CONCLUSIONS basic and advanced pediatric life support courses are a useful educational method for the general population, health professionals, physicians and nurses in theoretical and practical pediatric resuscitation.