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 L5

  • 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
Patients with special healthcare needs may require adjustments to assessment, equipment, and treatment throughout critical care transport. This course explores the needs of older adults, patients requiring bariatric transport, and patients living with chronic illness or medical devices. Participants review how baseline function, comorbidities, and ongoing therapies influence patient care while examining selected procedures encountered in the critical care transport environment.

Geriatric Assessment & Age-Related Changes
Learners examine how aging affects circulation, respiratory reserve, thermoregulation, medication metabolism, and musculoskeletal integrity. The course emphasizes establishing the patient’s baseline and recognizing changes that may indicate acute illness or injury. Participants explore how comorbidities and polypharmacy can complicate assessment, alter expected presentations, and increase vulnerability to trauma, infection, metabolic disturbances, and shock.

Bariatric Patient Care & Transport Planning
This section explores the clinical and logistical considerations involved in bariatric transport, including patient positioning, respiratory function, equipment selection, and safe movement. Participants review challenges with airway management, vascular access, vital sign monitoring, and weight-based medication dosing. The course also emphasizes patient comfort, dignity, and communication while addressing the preparation needed to protect both the patient and transport team.

Chronic Illness & Individualized Assessment
Participants examine the importance of understanding a patient’s usual condition before interpreting current findings. The course highlights the knowledge that patients and caregivers contribute regarding daily care, established treatment plans, and changes from baseline. Learners also review allergies, sensitivities, continuity of care, and communication strategies that support trust and reduce anxiety during transport.

Feeding Tubes & Neurologic Devices
Learners review assessment considerations for patients with gastrostomy tubes, cerebrospinal fluid shunts, and vagus nerve stimulators. The course examines potential feeding tube complications, including displacement and aspiration concerns, along with findings that may suggest shunt obstruction or infection. Participants explore how device history and changes in neurologic status can guide further assessment and communication with the treating team.

Ostomies, Urinary Catheters & Dialysis
This section introduces care considerations for patients with colostomies, ileostomies, urostomies, and urinary catheters. Participants review site assessment, drainage monitoring, and recognition of potential infection or dehydration. The course also addresses hemodialysis access precautions and planning considerations for patients receiving peritoneal dialysis, emphasizing protection of existing devices and continuity of care during transport.

Vascular Access & Invasive Lines
Participants review intraosseous access devices, insertion sites, and placement considerations, along with the assessment and use of central venous catheters. The course examines potential complications, including obstruction, infection, bleeding, and damaged tubing. Learners also receive an introduction to arterial line insertion, with emphasis on aseptic technique, line assessment, and documentation before and after transport.

Selected Critical Care Procedures
The course provides an overview of surgical and needle cricothyrotomy, escharotomy, and pericardiocentesis. Participants examine the clinical circumstances in which these procedures may be considered, along with relevant anatomy, equipment, and preparation. Discussion reinforces the importance of procedure-specific training, agency protocols, and practicing within the paramedic