This document outlines a standardized approach for recognizing and assessing sick children using the ABCDE method of airway, breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure. It describes how to evaluate each component, including vital signs, work of breathing, skin signs, and consciousness level. The goals are to identify life-threatening issues, determine who needs referral, and provide a safety net for those sent home. Tools like the Pediatric Early Warning System can help guide the assessment and documentation. Communication and involving parents are also emphasized.

1. Recognition and Assessment
of the Sick Child
DR ATIQUR RAHMAN KHAN
MBBS.MD.DCH,MRCPS(GLASCOW)

2. Standardised Approach
 Airway
 Breathing
 Circulation
 Disability
 Exposure
History and Observation

3. Airway
 Patency
 Risk
 Noises
 Position
 Adjuncts

4. Breathing
 Look, listen and feel
 Rate
 SaO2
 Work of Breathing
 Consider O2 therapy

5. Circulation
 Heart rate
 CRT
 Colour, skin perfusion
 BP
 Temperature
 Urine output
 Consider IV / IO Fluids

6. Disability and Exposure
D
 Conscious level (AVPU)
 Pupils
 Blood Sugar
E
 Rashes
 Bruising

7. AIM
 Identify life threatening problems
 Identify who to refer and who can go
home with a safety net!
 Useful tool: NICE: Feverish Illness
Traffic Light System

9. Things can will help
 Presence of parents / guardian
 PEWS
 Guidelines
 Play and Distraction
 Communication
 Pain management
 Antipyretics

10. PEWS Page 1

11. PEWS page 2

13. Summary
 A to E assessment
 History
 Observation
 Listening skills
 Use guidelines
 Documentation
 Phone a friend! SBAR

14. Thank You
Dr A R KHAN