AC7121 - Children and Young People Recognition and Emergency Care in Critical Illness

What will I learn on this module?

The overall aim of the module is to develop the knowledge and skills required for the safe care of critically ill Children and Young People. You will gain a sound knowledge and understanding of specific physiological problems encountered in children and be able to recognise, respond and manage emergencies. This module will enable you to develop the knowledge and skills required to recognise and manage the deteriorating and critically ill child and young people. The module content closely follows the UK resuscitation council guidelines and policy.
The module uses a structured approach to systematically assess and manage deteriorating children and young people. You will apply this structure to understand how children of all ages deteriorate. You will learn the anatomical and physiological response to illness in classroom sessions, prior to applying this knowledge in simulated sessions utilising High Fidelity Simulation with Sim Baby/junior.
Summative assessment will require you to participate in simulated scenario exam this will require you to demonstrate competent practice and through dialogue rationalise actions

Content Overview
• Recognition of the critically ill Child
• Structured approach to critically ill children.
• Assessing seriously ill children:
• Paediatric Basic and Advanced Life Support
• Assessment of respiratory/ circulatory function
• Assessment of conscious level and neurological emergencies
• Exploration of clinical conditions
• Clinical decision making
• Ongoing supportive care of seriously ill children

How will I learn on this module?

You will learn through lectures, workshops, group work, use of on-line resources and discussion boards, supported by group/individual tutorials.
This varied approach allows you as an individual and with colleagues to question the knowledge base that underpins child health and informs your professional role.
Technology enhanced learning will facilitate your learning and enable flexibility and independence as you progress through the module; Blackboard Ultra will enable you to access general module information, review all taught content remotely and will host independent, interactive e-learning which will underpin taught sessions. You will have access to Panopto video recordings to enhance your understanding of the module and assessment requirements.
You benefit from feed-forward feedback, where your assessment becomes part of your learning and enables you to understand what you do well and what academic skills you need to develop during your foundation year.
You will have access to 24/7 generic IT support and access to the full range of student administration and support services offered by Northumbria University which includes library and learning support outlined fully in the module handbook.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

The module team consists of experienced designated academics and associate lecturers, the module team will offer further support required and can be contacted via telephone, email, or in person – contact details are available via the elp, Blackboard Ultra on the programme and module sites.
Electronic media will support your learning, including opportunity for group learning. You will have access to 24/7 generic IT support and specific support from the programme team with any specific IT issues related to the e-lecture packages. You will also have access to the full range of student administration and support services offered by Northumbria University, which includes library and learning support. In addition, you can access study skills support via Ask4Help and/or your student portal, details of which will be available on the module site via Blackboard Ultra. You will also have access to the NU connect app to enable you to view timetables and maps. Timetables will also be available online; you will also be supported by the module leader with general academic advice to help you achieve your full academic potential.
Additional needs can be discussed with the module tutor as they arise. If you have an existing disability which affects your study performance, or believe you may have a disability that impacts on your ability to learn, you may be eligible to access help from the university student support team. The student support team will liaise with module tutor to ensure you are offered appropriate support to help you get the most from your studies.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:

1. You will generate new knowledge and understanding of child specific developmental pathophysiology in relation to critically ill children and young people.

Intellectual / Professional Skills & Abilities:

2. You will critically synthesise the evidence base which informs clinical decisions in recognition and assessment of the critically ill child and young person in the emergency care.
3. You will critically reflect and build on your own intellectual, professional skills and abilities to provide safe and effective emergency care to children/YP including BLS and ALS
4. You will critically review national/local and professional guidelines and practice accordingly

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. You will critically analyse the national, organisational and professional standards, guidelines and policies to lead safe and Sustainable care; including themes such as safety, personal dignity, compassion, person centred care, evidence based practice, promotion of individuality, independence, rights and choice.

How will I be assessed?

Formative assessment:
Formative assessment will be informed by observing the student participation in the simulated scenarios, seminars and teaching activities. These activities are intended to enhance the student articulation and presentation skills in preparation for the summative assessment (MLO’s 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5).

Summative assessment:
The summative assessment will address all of the learning outcomes of the module and will involve 2 parts:

1. Observed Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) within clinical skills. Written feedback during OSCE assessment - Pass/Fail (MLO’s 1, 2 & 3).

2. A 2500-word critical review, Critical exploration of acute and serious illness in children submitted via turnitin (MLO’s 4 & 5).

Pre-requisite(s)

To undertake this module you must hold a valid current professional registration” (i.e.: NMC / GMC / HCPC)

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

The course aims to develop requisite skills in recognising, assessing and caring for children/Young people who have the potential to, or have become ill. The student will critically explore specific physiological problems encountered by acutely/seriously ill children and the knowledge and skills necessary for assessment and safe management. To be able to critically reflect upon the nature of care given to seriously ill children/ Young people and analyse relevant theories that underpin the emergency care.

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Postgraduate

Mode of Study 1 year Part Time

Department Nursing, Midwifery & Health

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025 or January 2026

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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