Katherine Gridley reports from the inaugural Don’t Forget the Bubbles conference in Brisbane in 2017. Her review brings together paediatric evidence, simulation and difficult conversations, with reflections on compassion, clinician wellbeing and the perspectives of children and families.
Unforgettable: Don’t Forget the Bubbles 2017 (#DFTB17) with Kat Gridley & St.Emlyn’s Read More
Good paediatric communication involves more than breaking bad news. This dasSMACC teaching post explores cultural assumptions, preparing children and families for procedures, and listening directly to young patients, with practical ways to make consultations more inclusive and honest.
It’s Not OK: Communication in Paediatric Critical Care at #dasSMACC Read More
Natalie May’s notes accompanying her 2015 smaccMINI talk explore assessment of the previously well child with altered consciousness. The post covers protecting the brain and organising possible causes through the ‘5MF’ framework, including infection, metabolic illness, medication effects and seizures.
You Snooze, You Lose? #smaccUS The Child with Altered Consciousness Read More
How do we include children when someone they love is critically ill or dying? These notes accompany a conversation with Liz Crowe about clear explanations, addressing fears and self-blame, preparing children for the bedside and supporting families through difficult conversations.
Difficult conversations with children in critical care Read More
What should we make of a frightening episode in a baby who now looks well? This 2016 teaching post explores the change from ALTE to BRUE terminology, careful history-taking, alternative explanations and risk assessment, with attention to parents’ concerns and safety-netting.
Apparent Life Threatening Events in Babies – Trouble BRUEing Read More
Could a single dose of dexamethasone be an alternative to a course of prednisolone for children with an asthma exacerbation? This 2016 appraisal examines a non-inferiority trial, including patient selection and blinding concerns, and places its findings alongside earlier studies.
JC: Why don’t we use dexamethasone for children’s asthma? Read More
Do vein-finding devices improve first-attempt cannulation in children? This 2015 appraisal compares ultrasound, near-infrared imaging and standard practice in a Canadian emergency department trial. It examines staff training, sample size and generalisability, asking whether better vein visualisation translates into better outcomes.
JC: Gadgets and Gizmos for gaining IV access in kids. St.Emlyn’s Read More
A guide to the changes introduced in the 2015 APLS trauma update, with an accompanying podcast. Simon Carley discusses haemorrhage control, cervical spine management, vascular access, imaging and pain relief, alongside implications for instructors and areas where contemporary guidance differed.
New kids on the block. 2015 APLS trauma updates. Read More
