Knowledge

Key stages of physical and psychological development
Pathophysiology and principles of management of disorders which are life-threatening to paediatric patients (determined by national case mix, but may include: acute respiratory failure, cardiac failure, trauma, severe infections including meningitis and epiglottitis, intoxications, metabolic disorders, seizures, croup, diarrhoea)
Legal and ethical aspects of caring for children
Paediatric management of conditions common to both children and adults (e.g. acute severe asthma, renal failure, trauma)
Paediatric resuscitation and the differences between adult and paediatric resuscitation
National child protection guidelines
Principles of paediatric airway management: methods & techniques; calculation of tube sizes; selection of masks and airways
Impact of occupational and environmental exposures, socio-economic factors, and life style factors on critical illness
Principles of mechanical ventilation in a child
Preparation for and methods of securing venous access
Intraosseous cannulation
Estimation of blood volume, replacement of fluid loss
Paediatric dosing of common emergency drugs
General principles for stabilising the critically ill or injured child until senior or more experienced help arrives
Operation of local paediatric referral /retrieval services
Principles of communication (verbal and non verbal) with children of different ages; awareness of the consequences of the language used to impart information
Issues of consent in children

Skills & Behaviours

Paediatric resuscitation at advanced life support level (APLS, PALS or equivalent)
Prepare equipment & drugs for paediatric intubation
Demonstrate paediatric tracheal intubation
Secure venous access (including local anaesthesia pre-medication)
Manage mechanical ventilation in a critically ill child
Communicate effectively with, and attempt to reassure the child and parents
Recognise and manage paediatric emergencies until senior or more experienced help arrives
Manage and stabilise the injured child until senior or more experienced help arrives

Attitudes

Recognises personal limitations, seeks and accepts assistance or supervision (knows how, when and who to ask)

Basic Sciences also underpin the competencies within this domain. These are presented in full in the Basic Sciences Syllabus.