Course Breakdown:  2 Hour Self-Paced Course
Credit Awarded:  2 Hour
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: Neurology

*PA Bureau of EMS reporting is by Regional Endorsement.

This self-paced course provides critical care transport and EMS providers with an in-depth foundation in the assessment, pathophysiology, and management of neurologic illness and injury in the transport environment.

  • Explores the complex anatomy and physiology of the central and peripheral nervous systems, including the meninges, cerebral circulation, ventricular system, cranial nerves, spinal cord, and autonomic nervous system.
  • Learners will develop a comprehensive understanding of neurologic structures, their functions, and how pathology disrupts normal physiology during critical illness.
  • Emphasizes systematic neurologic assessment for both conscious and unresponsive patients, including evaluation of mental status, cranial nerve function, motor and sensory deficits, respiratory patterns, cardiovascular indicators such as Cushing’s triad, and signs of increased intracranial pressure.
  • Special focus is placed on acute alterations in mental status, including potential toxic, metabolic, infectious, structural, and psychiatric causes.
  • Review key diagnostic considerations and laboratory testing, alongside imaging modalities and procedures such as lumbar puncture.
  • Management strategies presented in the course prioritize airway protection, ventilation, hemodynamic stability, cerebral perfusion, and early recognition of neurologic deterioration.
  • Providers also learn transport-specific considerations, including environmental stressors, positioning, ICP precautions, and communication with caregivers and receiving facilities.

By the end of this module, critical care transport and EMS providers will strengthen their ability to identify neurologic emergencies, apply targeted assessments, recognize life-threatening complications, and implement evidence-based interventions to optimize patient outcomes during transport.