Course Breakdown: 2 Hour Self-Paced Course
Credit Awarded: 2 Hours
Credit Type: Advanced
Accredited: CAPCE (F3-Distributive), CE Broker (FL, KY, TN), Pennsylvania Bureau of EMS*, and Virginia Office of EMS(Pending)
Enrollment Period: One year or until completed, whichever comes first
Topics: Cardiac Emergencies
*PA Bureau of EMS reporting is by Regional Endorsement.
This self-paced advanced-level continuing education course provides an in-depth exploration of critical cardiac emergencies encountered in the prehospital and critical care transport environment.
- Learners will review the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and management strategies for conditions such as acute heart failure, pulmonary edema, hypertensive crisis, aortic dissection, and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).
- Strong emphasis placed on cardiac pharmacology, including detailed instruction on vasopressors, inotropes, antiarrhythmics, anticoagulants, and fibrinolytics.
- Examines drug classifications, mechanisms of action, dosing protocols, and field considerations for high-risk cardiac patients. Transport decision-making, medication safety, and airway management strategies are also integrated throughout.
- Interactive knowledge checks reinforce key content, while real-world applications prepare ALS and critical care providers to manage complex cardiac patients in both ground and air transport settings.
By the end of the course, providers will be equipped with the knowledge and clinical judgment needed to identify life-threatening cardiac conditions, initiate evidence-based pharmacologic interventions, and coordinate safe and effective transport to definitive care.