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 L15

  • 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
Renal and hematologic emergencies can disrupt fluid balance, oxygen delivery, and the body’s ability to control bleeding. This comprehensive course reviews kidney function, acute and chronic renal disease, dialysis therapies, and disorders affecting blood cells and coagulation. Participants connect underlying disease processes with assessment findings and supportive care priorities in the critical care transport environment.

Renal Anatomy & Physiology
Learners examine kidney structures and the role of the nephron in filtration, reabsorption, and urine formation. The course reviews renal blood flow and the movement of fluid through the glomerulus, renal tubules, and collecting system. Participants connect these functions with waste elimination, fluid regulation, and maintenance of acid-base balance.

Acute Kidney Injury
This section explores prerenal, intrarenal, and postrenal causes of acute kidney injury, including impaired perfusion, structural damage, and urinary obstruction. Participants review contributing conditions such as dehydration, sepsis, nephrotoxic exposure, and acute tubular necrosis. The course examines changes in urine output and renal function while introducing supportive management and renal replacement therapy considerations.

Chronic Kidney Disease & Systemic Effects
Participants examine the gradual loss of renal function and its progression to end-stage kidney disease. The course reviews associated findings, including edema, anemia, fatigue, uremia, and metabolic acidosis. Learners also explore how impaired kidney function affects ongoing treatment, medication dosing, and the assessment of patients requiring long-term dialysis.

Dialysis & Renal Replacement Therapies
Learners review hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). The course introduces differences among filtration, dialysis, and ultrafiltration techniques, including their roles in removing waste and managing fluid balance. Participants also examine dialysis access and the equipment and treatment information relevant to continuity of care during transfer.

Dialysis Complications & Transport Considerations
This section addresses complications associated with missed dialysis, including electrolyte disturbances and acidosis. Participants review concerns related to dialysis access bleeding, hypovolemia, and infection. The course emphasizes aseptic technique, assessment of existing access sites, and attention to changes in the patient’s condition during transport.

Bleeding Disorders & Coagulation
Participants explore the roles of platelets and coagulation factors in clot formation. The course reviews hemophilia, thrombocytopenia, platelet dysfunction, and factors that can impair hemostasis, including hypothermia, uremia, and sepsis. Learners connect these conditions with bleeding risk and examine considerations involving anticoagulant therapy, fluid administration, and blood products.

Anemia & Sickle Cell Disease
Learners review red blood cell disorders, with particular attention to sickle cell disease and the relationship between abnormal cell shape, vascular obstruction, and pain. The course explores supportive care considerations, including analgesia, hydration, oxygenation assessment, and transfusion therapy. Participants connect these needs with continued evaluation of perfusion and the patient’s response to treatment.

White Blood Cell Disorders
This section introduces disorders involving reduced or elevated white blood cell counts, including neutropenia, neutrophilia, and eosinophilia. Participants examine inherited and acquired causes and their relationship to infection risk or underlying illness. The course reinforces the importance of considering immune status when assessing and transporting patients with hematologic conditions.

Clinical Integration
Throughout the course, renal and hematologic findings are linked to monitoring, bleeding control, and supportive care. Participants examine the need for careful fluid and blood administration while accounting for kidney dysfunction and coagulation abnormalities. Emphasis remains on recognizing complications and maintaining continuity of established therapies during transport.

Who Should Take This Course?
This course is designed for paramedics involved in critical care transport who are seeking a comprehensive review of renal disease, dialysis, and hematologic emergencies. As Lesson 15 of the Critical Care Transport Review series, it supports the assessment and ongoing care of patients with impaired kidney function, blood cell disorders, and coagulation abnormalities.