This course teaches the recognition of the seriously ill or injured child and the management of paediatric cardiorespiratory arrest, based on current Resuscitation Council UK paediatric guidelines. It covers the structured ABCDE assessment, paediatric basic life support, the advanced life support algorithm, weight-based drug dosing and working with families. It is a knowledge update and does not replace accredited hands-on paediatric resuscitation training.
What you will learn
- Explain why most paediatric cardiac arrests are secondary to respiratory or circulatory failure, and why early recognition saves lives.
- Carry out a structured ABCDE assessment of a seriously ill child and identify signs of respiratory failure and shock.
- Describe paediatric basic life support, including five initial rescue breaths and the 15:2 compression to ventilation ratio.
- Apply the paediatric advanced life support algorithm to shockable and non-shockable rhythms, including weight-based adrenaline, amiodarone and defibrillation energy.
- Calculate weight-based doses accurately and use cognitive aids to reduce error.
- Describe how to support and communicate with parents and carers during and after resuscitation.
Course content
- Why children are different (3 min)
- Recognising the seriously ill child: ABCDE (3 min)
- Paediatric basic life support (4 min)
- Paediatric advanced life support algorithm (3 min)
- Calculating doses safely (2 min)
- Worked scenario: a deteriorating infant (3 min)
- Families, decisions and after the event (3 min)
- Knowledge check (10 questions, 10 min)
- Guided reflection (15 min)
Standards and guidance covered
- Resuscitation Council UK: Paediatric basic life support and Paediatric advanced life support guidelines (current edition)
- Resuscitation Council UK: Newborn life support guidelines (for the newborn period, signposted only)
- GMC: Good Medical Practice (2024) and 0-18 years: guidance for all doctors
- NMC: The Code (2015, updated 2018), including preserving safety and working within the limits of competence
- Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and NHS England: national paediatric early warning system (PEWS) guidance
- Local organisational resuscitation and safeguarding policies
Certificate
Courses are free to study. When you pass the knowledge check (80%) and complete your reflection, you can buy a verified certificate showing your CPD time, with a unique ID and QR code that anyone can check on our verification page.
Study free at your own pace on any device.
Related guides
The Adult Advanced Life Support Algorithm Explained (UK)
The adult ALS algorithm explained using Resuscitation Council UK 2025 guidelines: shockable and non-shockable rhythms, drug timings, 4 Hs and 4 Ts, and ROSC.
Paediatric Life Support in the UK: Key Steps and Differences From Adults
Paediatric life support in the UK explained: five rescue breaths, 15:2, infant compressions, weight-based doses, and how child resuscitation differs from adult.
The Trauma Primary Survey (<C>ABCDE) Explained
The trauma primary survey <C>ABCDE explained: catastrophic haemorrhage, airway and spine, breathing, circulation, disability and exposure, with NICE guidance.
Practitioner Insight is an independent education provider. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the GMC, MPTS, NMC, HCPC, GPhC or any NHS organisation, and this information is not legal advice. If you have been referred to a regulator, speak to your defence organisation, trade union or legal representative.