The unwell child
The Deteriorating Child in Primary Care: Recognition, Decision-Making and the First 10 Minutes
Build confidence in recognising and responding when a child begins to deteriorate in primary care. In this 2-hour interactive clinical workshop, I’ll guide you through the decisions that matter before cardiorespiratory arrest, from recognising subtle changes and interpreting observations in context to prioritising the first 10 minutes of care.
Designed for GPs, Registered Nurses, Nurse Practitioners and other primary-care clinicians, this practical, case-based workshop uses realistic, evolving paediatric scenarios, including respiratory deterioration and the unwell young infant. It builds on existing clinical knowledge and is not a repeat of paediatric CPR or basic ABCDE training.
Key learning points
Recognise deterioration beyond abnormal vital signs
Identify when a child’s clinical trajectory is concerning
Interpret clinical observations in context
Prioritise the first 10 minutes of management
Assess whether treatment is effective
Anticipate and prepare for further deterioration
Make decisions about primary-care management, hospital assessment and urgent transfer
Communicate deterioration effectively during escalation, transfer and handover
Interactive, case-based and primary-care focused, this workshop helps clinicians answer the critical question: “This child is getting worse, so what do we do now?”
Your instructor-Alice Ritchie
I am an Intensive Care nurse with a background in paediatrics, both general and emergency.
My clinical experience in recognising and managing the acutely unwell patient lets me bring real world insight to my teaching practice. As an instructor I make skills clear and easy to learn, helping participants grow the confidence they need to respond effectively in an emergency.
Your Instructor- Mick Halpin
I trained in the UK 35 years ago and since have been working in Intensive care and children’s intensive care. I am currently an Associate Charge Nurse in Intensive care and hold portfolios in resuscitation training and paediatrics.
In my leadership and teaching roles I work with the multidisciplinary team to guide patient care, supporting clinicians in their decisions and skills.