This chapter provides a guide on how to deal with the sick child. It starts with a discussion on the key anatomical differences and physiological differences between children and adults. With the arrival of a sick child, there are also worried parents and distressed relatives. Healthcare staff can also be more emotional as the patient is a child but it is important to remember that basic principles should be applied to stabilize the child until more experienced help arrives. Cardiac arrests in children are rarely due to primary cardiac disease but are usually secondary to hypoxia. The common paediatric emergencies include shock, croup, acute epiglottitis, bronchiolitis and status epilepticus. If child abuse is suspected, a consultant paediatrician with experience in dealing with child abuse should be alerted to conduct a further assessment of the child. No child should be transferred until they are stable.