Number of Courses:  One Live 2-Hour Class
Credit Awarded:  2 Hours
Credit Type: Advanced
Accredited: IBSC, CAPCE (F5-VILT), CE Broker (FL & TN), Pennsylvania Bureau of EMS, and Virginia Office of EMS
Enrollment Period:  One year or until completed, whichever comes first
Topics: Medical Emergencies

This CE activity is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Pre-Hospital Continuing Education for a total of 2 Paramedic Critical Care CEH.

Are you in need of a few critical care hours to round out your FP-C or CCP-C recertification? Or just want something different to put towards your NRP recertification? This individual Critical Care course will meet those needs.

IBSC Board for Critical Care Transport Paramedic Certification APPROVED!

Want to see when classes are offered, click here DistanceCME Course Calendar

Topics covered in this Live CCTR L11

  • Medical Emergencies (2 hr)

If you need more than a few hours, this program is perfect for your continuing education: Critical Care Transport Review. The Critical Care Transport program can also be used for your NREMT Recertification.

Course Overview
Abdominal emergencies can produce significant bleeding, infection, and organ dysfunction while presenting with overlapping or nonspecific symptoms. This comprehensive course explores gastrointestinal and abdominal conditions encountered in critical care transport, including abdominal compartment syndrome, gastrointestinal bleeding, bowel obstruction, pancreatitis, and hepatic disease. Participants connect patient history, examination findings, and available diagnostic information with monitoring and stabilization priorities during transport.

Abdominal Assessment & Monitoring
Learners review a systematic approach to evaluating abdominal complaints, including presenting symptoms, medical history, prior procedures, and evidence of bleeding. The course examines the role of laboratory studies, imaging, and ultrasound findings in understanding the patient’s condition. Participants also explore ongoing monitoring of mental status, perfusion, oxygenation, and ventilation to recognize changes that may indicate deterioration.

Abdominal Compartment Syndrome
This section examines how increased intra-abdominal pressure can interfere with perfusion and organ function. Participants review associated risk factors, including trauma, fluid accumulation, surgery, and critical illness. The course explores abdominal examination findings, urinary output, bladder pressure measurement, and the relationship between intra-abdominal pressure and abdominal perfusion pressure.

Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Participants examine upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding, including diverticular disease, esophageal varices, and Mallory-Weiss tears. The course connects bleeding patterns and patient history with potential sources of hemorrhage. Learners review airway concerns, vascular access, hemodynamic monitoring, and fluid and blood replacement considerations, along with therapies and devices that may accompany patients during interfacility transport.

Bowel Obstruction, Perforation & Peritonitis
Learners explore causes of intestinal obstruction, including adhesions, hernias, tumors, volvulus, and intussusception. The course reviews findings such as abdominal distension, vomiting, altered bowel activity, and signs of shock. Participants also examine hollow organ rupture and peritonitis, emphasizing recognition of systemic compromise and the need for timely access to definitive care.

Pancreatitis & Systemic Complications
This section reviews pancreatic inflammation and the effects of premature enzyme activation on pancreatic tissue. Participants examine potential causes, characteristic pain patterns, and laboratory findings associated with pancreatitis. The course also explores progression to hypovolemia, shock, and multiple organ dysfunction, connecting these complications with supportive care and continued reassessment during transport.

Hepatic Disease & Encephalopathy
Participants review liver function and the consequences of hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatic failure. The course examines findings associated with portal hypertension, ascites, jaundice, bleeding, and altered mental status. Learners also explore hepatic encephalopathy and the implications of impaired liver function for medication administration, electrolyte monitoring, and recognition of additional organ dysfunction.

Gallbladder Disease & Other Abdominal Conditions
Learners examine cholecystitis and gallstone-related disease, including relevant history, right upper quadrant pain, and associated symptoms. The course also introduces enteritis and care considerations for patients following splenectomy. Emphasis includes supportive management, recognition of complications, and attention to infection risk in patients without a functioning spleen.

Clinical Integration & Transport Planning
Throughout the course, abdominal assessment findings are linked to airway protection, circulatory support, and pain management. Participants examine how the anticipated clinical course and existing therapies influence transport preparation. The course also addresses transport mode and altitude considerations while emphasizing continued monitoring and safe transfer to an appropriate receiving facility.

Who Should Take This Course?
This course is designed for paramedics involved in critical care transport who are seeking a comprehensive review of abdominal and gastrointestinal emergencies. As Lesson 11 of the Critical Care Transport Review series, it supports the assessment, stabilization, and ongoing monitoring of patients with abdominal hemorrhage, inflammation, obstruction, and organ dysfunction.