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 L4

  • 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
Obstetric emergencies present unique challenges in critical care transport, requiring assessment of both maternal condition and fetal well-being. This comprehensive course explores the anatomical and physiologic changes of pregnancy, fetal development, and the recognition of high-risk obstetric complications. Participants connect maternal assessment and fetal monitoring findings with the management considerations essential to caring for pregnant patients during transport.

Maternal Anatomy & Physiology
Learners examine the cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, and gastrointestinal changes that occur during pregnancy. The course reviews changes in blood volume, cardiac output, vascular resistance, oxygen demand, and respiratory reserve, along with their implications for patient assessment. Participants also explore aortocaval compression, maternal positioning, and the hemodynamic changes associated with labor and the immediate postpartum period.

Fetal Development & Obstetric Terminology
This section reviews fetal development and the significance of gestational age when assessing pregnancy complications and the risks associated with premature birth. Participants explore terminology used to communicate pregnancy history and labor progression, including gravida, para, G-TPAL, cervical dilation, and effacement. The course also distinguishes contraction frequency from duration, supporting clear assessment and communication during patient handoff.

Maternal Assessment & Fetal Monitoring
Participants review a systematic approach to obstetric assessment, including prenatal care, estimated due date, prior pregnancies, previous cesarean deliveries, membrane status, and current contractions. The course examines fetal heart rate monitoring and uterine activity, with emphasis on baseline rate, variability, accelerations, and decelerations. Learners connect abnormal monitoring patterns with potential maternal or fetal compromise and the need for continued reassessment.

Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy
Learners explore pregnancy-associated hypertension, preeclampsia, eclampsia, and HELLP syndrome. The course reviews concerning assessment findings, including severe headache, visual disturbances, and seizure activity, while addressing the potential for complications after delivery. Participants examine maternal and fetal monitoring priorities, magnesium sulfate therapy, recognition of magnesium toxicity, and antihypertensive medication considerations during transport.

Placental Emergencies & Uterine Rupture
This section examines placenta previa, placental abruption, and uterine rupture, connecting their underlying mechanisms with patient presentation and potential deterioration. Participants review differences in pain and bleeding patterns, relevant risk factors, and the importance of recognizing maternal hemodynamic instability. The course addresses supportive care, ongoing fetal assessment, and coordination with facilities capable of providing definitive obstetric intervention.

Preterm Labor & Medication Considerations
Participants explore the recognition of preterm labor, associated risk factors, and the significance of ruptured membranes and cervical changes. The course reviews maternal assessment, fetal monitoring, and medications discussed in the management of preterm labor, including magnesium sulfate and terbutaline. Emphasis includes understanding treatment goals, monitoring for adverse effects, and maintaining continuity of care during interfacility transport.

Clinical Integration & Transport Planning
Throughout the course, maternal physiology and obstetric assessment findings are linked to transport decisions. Learners examine how severe hemorrhage, shock, or fetal compromise can influence the need for intervention before transfer. The course also addresses transport stressors, maternal positioning, and continued monitoring to recognize changes in maternal or fetal condition during transit.

Who Should Take This Course?
This course is designed for paramedics involved in critical care transport who are seeking a comprehensive review of obstetric emergencies, maternal assessment, and fetal monitoring. As Lesson 4 of the Critical Care Transport Review series, it supports the recognition of pregnancy-related complications and the coordinated care of high-risk obstetric patients during transport.