Paediatrics

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Basic science

1. Anatomical differences in the airway, head, and spinal cord from the adult
2. Deciduous and permanent dentition
3. Physiological differences from the adult
4. Special problems of the premature and ex-premature neonate
5. Haematological and biochemical changes with age
6. Modification of drug dosages
7. Anaesthetic equipment and the differences from adult practice
   1. Calculation of tube sizes, selection of masks and airways
   2. Choice of breathing system
   3. Neonatal equipment and monitoring

Medicine and surgery

1. Paediatric medical and surgical problems including major congenital abnormalities, congenital heart disease and syndromes e.g. Down’s and their implications for anaesthesia
2. Anaesthetic problems and management of important congenital anomalies including those requiring surgical correction in the neonatal period:
   1. Tracheooesophageal fistula
   2. Diaphragmatic hernia
   3. Exomphalos
   4. Gastroschisis
   5. Intestinal obstruction
   6. Pyloric stenosis
3. Upper respiratory tract infections and when to cancel operations

Generic Anaesthesia

1. Understanding consent in children: the law, research, restraint
2. Premedication, including local anaesthesia for venepuncture
3. Starvation and hypoglycaemia
4. Preoperative assessment and psychological preparation for surgery
5. IV and gaseous induction of general anaesthesia
6. Maintenance of physiology: glucose, fluids, temperature
7. Estimation of blood volume, replacement of fluid loss
8. Anaesthetic techniques and thermoregulation
9. Management of acute airway obstruction including:
   1. Croup
   2. Epiglottitis
   3. Foreign Body
10. Analgesia for children: management of postoperative pain, and nausea and vomiting in childrenincluding
    1. The use of local and regional anaesthetic techniques
    2. Simple analgesics
    3. NSAIDs
    4. Use of opiods (including infusions, PCA and NCA)
    5. Caudal and other simple blocks
11. Selection, management and monitoring of children for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures carried out under sedation
12. Strategies and practice for the management of anaesthetic emergencies in children: loss of airway, laryngospasm, failed venous access, suxamethonium apnoea and anaphylaxis including latex allergy.

PICU

1. Principles of paediatric intensive care: management of the commoner problems, ventilatory and circulatory support, multi-organ failure
2. Principles of safe transport of critically ill children and babies
3. Psychological aspects of sick children