Course Breakdown:  2 Hour Self-Paced Course
Credit Awarded:  2 Hour
Credit Type: Advanced
Accredited: CAPCE (F3-Distributive), CE Broker (FL & TN), Pennsylvania Bureau of EMS*, and Virginia Office of EMS(Pending)
Enrollment Period:  One year or until completed, whichever comes first
Topics: Medical Emergencies

*PA Bureau of EMS reporting is by Regional Endorsement.

This self-paced course, Rare but Critical Medical Conditions, prepares EMS clinicians to recognize uncommon, high-risk medical emergencies that may initially appear vague, nonspecific, or deceptively stable. Rather than relying on a definitive field diagnosis, learners will develop a pattern-based approach to identifying dangerous presentations, beginning supportive care, anticipating deterioration, and selecting an appropriate transport destination.

The course emphasizes medication, treatment, exposure, and medical-history clues that may reveal an uncommon condition. Learners will review early warning signs and prehospital priorities for emergencies that can rapidly progress to organ dysfunction, respiratory failure, shock, dysrhythmias, seizures, severe bleeding, or cardiovascular collapse.

Conditions Covered

  • Tumor lysis syndrome
  • Serotonin syndrome
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
  • Pheochromocytoma crisis
  • Disseminated intravascular coagulation
  • Cyanide toxicity
  • Methemoglobinemia
  • Myasthenia gravis and myasthenic crisis

What You Will Learn

Through clinical comparisons and case-based decision making, learners will practice distinguishing serotonin syndrome from neuroleptic malignant syndrome, recognizing refractory hypoxia and impaired cellular oxygen use, identifying progressive neuromuscular and respiratory weakness, and detecting high-risk trends during reassessment.

The course reinforces practical EMS priorities, including airway and ventilatory support, high-concentration oxygen when indicated, cardiac monitoring, temperature management, seizure and shock care, bleeding precautions, frequent reassessment, rapid transport, and early notification of the receiving facility. All care should be provided within the clinician’s scope of practice and in accordance with local protocols and medical direction.