Children with complex needs are five times more likely to die from a treatable condition

Professor Ryan writes with authority, vulnerability and humour. This book made me smile, nod in recognition and, at times, cry. We need to do better and Professor Ryan not only explains why, but also gives us tools to start on the “how”.

A small bit of knowledge about Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) can make a huge difference in how an emergency situation evolves. If you have no knowledge of ASC you will approach this scenario as an ordinary call and walk into chaos.

Terminology is important, not only for making sure we understand a child's diagnosis properly, but also for providing the best possible care. Getting it right can also help gain the trust of parents and carers who will often know far more about appropriate language use than we clinicians.

Communication is vital to all that we do as clinicians – from the first contact with a patient, through history taking and examination, to initiating treatment and explaining procedures, so we have to do our very best at getting it right. This is perhaps even more important, and more difficult, in the pre-hospital field, where stress levels are high, environments can be unpredictable and time is short.

The 21st of March is World Down Syndrome Day. @Lizjl78 and Amy are here to share their lessons

Time on your hands?