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: Pediatric Cardiac Arrest

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 L7

  • Pediatric Cardiac Arrest (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
Recognizing deterioration before cardiac arrest is a central priority when transporting critically ill newborns and infants. This course explores respiratory failure, congenital cardiac conditions, shock, and other emergencies that can compromise pediatric oxygenation and perfusion. With a primary focus on neonatal and infant care, participants connect assessment findings with stabilization priorities and the preparation needed for critical care transport.

Respiratory Emergencies & Arrest Prevention
Learners examine apnea, meconium aspiration, pneumonia, respiratory distress, and pneumothorax. The course explores how respiratory compromise can progress to bradycardia and cardiac arrest, emphasizing early recognition and effective airway support. Participants also review respiratory acidosis, ventilation considerations, and the potential for pulmonary complications to develop during transport.

Congenital Heart Disease & Cyanosis
This section reviews congenital cardiac abnormalities, including septal defects, coarctation of the aorta, tetralogy of Fallot, transposition of the great arteries, and hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Participants explore how altered circulation can affect oxygenation and perfusion. The course also addresses preductal and postductal oxygen saturation assessment, extremity blood pressure comparisons, and prostaglandin E1 therapy considerations in coordination with medical control.

Dysrhythmias, Shock & Cardiac Arrest
Participants review supraventricular tachycardia, bradycardia, and the relationship between respiratory failure, shock, and pediatric cardiac arrest. The course examines findings associated with inadequate tissue perfusion and the importance of identifying the underlying cause of deterioration. Learners also explore persistent pulmonary hypertension, vascular access, and circulatory support considerations during stabilization and transport.

Gastrointestinal & Surgical Emergencies
Learners examine congenital gastrointestinal abnormalities and conditions that may require urgent surgical evaluation, including esophageal atresia, intestinal obstruction, volvulus, intussusception, and Hirschsprung disease. The course also reviews gastroschisis, omphalocele, and intestinal perforation. Participants connect findings such as feeding intolerance, bilious vomiting, abdominal distension, and bloody stools with assessment priorities and transport preparation.

Infection & Temperature Disturbances
This section explores neonatal infection and sepsis, with attention to changes in activity, feeding, respiration, and perfusion. Participants review how temperature abnormalities can accompany illness or environmental exposure. The course emphasizes continued reassessment, cardiorespiratory support, and temperature monitoring when transporting infants with suspected infection or impaired thermoregulation.

Neurologic Emergencies & Birth Injuries
Participants examine neonatal seizures, altered responsiveness, and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, including potential respiratory and metabolic contributors to neurologic changes. The course also reviews birth-related scalp injuries, fractures, and findings that may raise concern for abuse or maltreatment. Learners explore the challenge of distinguishing seizure activity from other newborn movements while evaluating possible underlying causes.

Metabolic & Endocrine Emergencies
Learners review hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia, metabolic acidosis, inborn errors of metabolism, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia. The course connects these conditions with presentations such as poor feeding, lethargy, seizures, dehydration, and shock. Emphasis includes glucose assessment, recognition of electrolyte disturbances, and coordination of ongoing treatment with the referring team.

Clinical Integration & Transport Planning
Throughout the course, assessment findings are linked to stabilization, equipment readiness, and the selection of an appropriate transport plan. Participants review airway security, ventilation monitoring, oxygenation, and prevention of heat loss during transit. The course also addresses the neonatal transfer process and communication with family members, emphasizing clear explanations and continuity of care.

Who Should Take This Course?
This course is designed for paramedics involved in critical care transport who are seeking a review of neonatal and infant emergencies, recognition of cardiopulmonary deterioration, and transport considerations. As Lesson 7 of the Critical Care Transport Review series, it supports the assessment and stabilization of young patients with complex respiratory, cardiac, surgical, and medical conditions.