RCGP Curriculum Map

Curriculum Map > 07 Care of Acutely Ill People > Knowledge Base:

• Cardiovascular emergencies
  
  Chest pain, haemorrhage, shock (Statement 15.1: Cardiovascular Problems covers emergency management of these conditions).

• Central nervous system emergencies
  
  Convulsions, reduced conscious level, confusion (Statement 15.7: Neurological Problems covers emergency management of these conditions).

• Mental health emergencies
  
  Threatened self-harm, delusional states, violent patients (Statement 13: Care of People with Mental Health Problems covers emergency management of these conditions).

• Respiratory emergencies
  
  Wheeze, breathlessness, stridor, choking (Statement 15.8: Respiratory Problems covers emergency management of these conditions).

• Severe pain
  
  

• Acute coronary syndromes
  
  

• Asthma emergencies
  
  

• Common problems that may be expected with certain practice activities
  
  E.g. anaphylaxis after immunisation, local anaesthetic toxicity and vaso-vagal attacks with, for example, minor surgery or intra-uterine contraceptive device insertion.

• Dangerous diagnoses
  
  

• Haemorrhage (revealed or concealed)
  
  

• Ischaemia
  
  

• Parasuicide and suicide attempts
  
  

• Pulmonary embolus
  
  

• Shock
  
  Including no cardiac output

• Blood glucose
  
  

• Other investigations are rare in primary care because acutely ill patients needing investigation are usually referred to secondary care
  
  

• Pre-hospital management of acute dyspnoea
  
  

• Pre-hospital management of convulsions
  
  

• Appreciate the response time required in order to optimise the outcome
  
  

• The ‘ABC’ principles in initial management
  
  

• Understand the importance of maintaining personal security and awareness and management of the security risks to others
  
  

• Understand the organisational aspects of NHS out-of-hours care
  
  

• Advice to patients on prevention
  
  E.g. with a patient with known heart disease, advice on how to manage ischaemic pain including use of glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), aspirin and appropriate first-line use of paramedic ambulance.

• Appropriate use of emergency services
  
  Including logistics of how to obtain an ambulance/paramedic crew

• Being able to organise and lead a response when required, which may include participation by staff, members of the public or qualified responders
  
  

• Familiarity with available equipment in own car/bag and that carried by emergency services
  
  

• Knowledge of training required for practice staff and others as a team in the appropriate responses to an acutely ill person
  
  

• Selection and maintenance of appropriate equipment and un-expired drugs that should be carried by GPs