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 L13
- 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
Toxicological emergencies can produce rapid changes in consciousness, ventilation, and cardiovascular function. This comprehensive course reviews medication overdoses, substance-related emergencies, and chemical exposures encountered in critical care transport. Participants explore exposure assessment, toxidrome recognition, decontamination, and treatment considerations, with emphasis on opioid toxicity and other potentially life-threatening poisonings.
Exposure Assessment & Initial Stabilization
Learners examine ingestion, inhalation, injection, and surface absorption as routes of toxic exposure. The course emphasizes identifying the substance, timing, and circumstances of exposure while evaluating the patient’s clinical condition. Participants review airway protection, respiratory support, cardiac monitoring, and the role of poison control consultation in guiding further care.
Toxidrome Recognition
This section explores the characteristic findings associated with sympathomimetic, opioid, anticholinergic, cholinergic, and sedative-hypnotic toxidromes. Participants connect changes in pupils, skin findings, secretions, vital signs, and mental status with possible toxic effects. The course supports a systematic approach to assessment when the substance involved is uncertain or the exposure history is incomplete.
Opioid & Sedative-Hypnotic Emergencies
Participants review opioid toxicity, including depressed consciousness, respiratory depression, and associated circulatory changes. The course examines naloxone administration alongside airway support, ventilation, and continued reassessment. Learners also explore benzodiazepine and other sedative-hypnotic exposures, including the risks and limitations associated with reversal agents.
Over-the-Counter & Prescription Medication Toxicity
Learners examine acetaminophen and salicylate poisoning, with attention to delayed symptoms, laboratory findings, and potential organ injury. The course also reviews beta-blocker, calcium channel blocker, and cardiac glycoside toxicity. Participants explore monitoring priorities and treatment considerations, including antidotes and supportive therapies that may continue during interfacility transport.
Antidepressant Toxicity & Hyperthermic Syndromes
This section reviews tricyclic antidepressant and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor exposures, including neurologic changes and cardiac conduction disturbances. Participants examine serotonin syndrome and neuroleptic malignant syndrome, connecting medication history with findings such as hyperthermia, abnormal muscle activity, and altered mental status. The course addresses cooling, supportive care, and recognition of potential deterioration.
Stimulants, Hallucinogens & Behavioral Changes
Participants explore amphetamine, cocaine, and hallucinogen exposures and their potential effects on perception, behavior, and cardiovascular stability. The course reviews agitation, seizures, hyperthermia, and other complications that may accompany toxicity. Emphasis includes maintaining a calm environment, evaluating medical causes of behavioral changes, and monitoring the patient’s response to treatment during transport.
Chemical & Environmental Poisonings
Learners review carbon monoxide, cyanide, ethylene glycol, organophosphate, and carbamate exposures. The course connects exposure history and clinical findings with oxygen transport impairment, metabolic disturbances, and cholinergic effects. Participants also examine laboratory and monitoring considerations, antidotal therapies, and precautions to reduce secondary exposure.
Decontamination & Transport Safety
This section explores skin and eye decontamination alongside gastrointestinal methods, including activated charcoal, gastric lavage, and whole bowel irrigation. Participants review limitations, contraindications, and potential complications of these interventions. The course emphasizes appropriate protective equipment, confirmation of decontamination status, and preparation to protect the patient, crew, and transport environment.
Clinical Integration
Throughout the course, toxic exposure patterns are linked to stabilization and ongoing assessment. Learners examine the importance of monitoring ventilation, cardiac rhythm, temperature, and neurologic status while anticipating recurrent or delayed effects. The course reinforces communication with the treating team and continuity of therapies during transfer.
Who Should Take This Course?
This course is designed for paramedics involved in critical care transport who are seeking a comprehensive review of opioid emergencies, medication overdoses, and toxic exposures. As Lesson 13 of the Critical Care Transport Review series, it supports toxidrome recognition, patient stabilization, and safe transport of patients with toxicological emergencies.