Course Breakdown: 2 Hour Self-Paced Course
Credit Awarded: 2 Hours
Credit Type: Advanced
Accredited: CAPCE (F3-Distributive), CE Broker (FL & TN), Pennsylvania Bureau of EMS*, and Virginia Office of EMS
Enrollment Period: One year or until completed, whichever comes first
Topics: Cardiac Emergencies – Adult and Pediatric
*PA Bureau of EMS reporting is by Regional Endorsement.
Self-Paced Course Overview
Cardiovascular and neurologic emergencies demand rapid assessment, sound clinical reasoning, and evidence-based decision-making. This comprehensive course prepares EMS clinicians to recognize and manage adult stroke, pediatric congenital heart disease, and acute coronary syndrome while emphasizing early identification, systematic assessment, destination decisions, and timely intervention. Participants will strengthen their understanding of the pathophysiology behind these time-sensitive emergencies and apply current best practices to improve patient outcomes.
Adult Stroke Recognition & Management
Participants examine the anatomy and physiology of the brain, ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, transient ischemic attack, and common stroke mimics. The course reviews validated prehospital stroke assessment tools, including the Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale, Los Angeles Prehospital Stroke Screen, Miami Emergency Neurologic Deficit Assessment, and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. Learners also review modern stroke systems of care, thrombolytic eligibility, contraindications, and evidence-based prehospital management.
Pediatric Congenital Heart Disease
The course introduces the assessment and management of congenital heart disease, including both cyanotic and noncyanotic defects. Participants review the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and prehospital considerations for conditions such as Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, Tetralogy of Fallot, Transposition of the Great Arteries, Tricuspid Atresia, Atrial Septal Defect, Ventricular Septal Defect, and Pulmonary Stenosis. Special emphasis is placed on recognizing ductal-dependent lesions, cyanotic spells, and pediatric cardiovascular decompensation.
Acute Coronary Syndrome
Learners explore the pathophysiology of coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, myocardial ischemia, and infarction while reviewing the continuum of acute coronary syndrome. The course discusses stable angina, unstable angina, STEMI, NSTEMI, patient presentation, risk factors, ECG interpretation, and evidence-based prehospital treatment strategies that support rapid reperfusion and improved survival.
Clinical Assessment & Decision-Making
Throughout the course, participants apply systematic patient assessment techniques, differentiate time-sensitive cardiovascular and neurologic emergencies from common mimics, recognize high-risk clinical presentations, and develop appropriate destination and transport decisions. The course reinforces critical thinking while emphasizing communication with specialty receiving centers and multidisciplinary teams.
Evidence-Based EMS Practice
Current American Heart Association recommendations, stroke system principles, and contemporary prehospital cardiovascular care guidelines are integrated throughout the course. Learners gain practical knowledge that can be immediately applied during adult and pediatric emergency responses in both ground and critical care transport environments.
Who Should Take This Course?
This course is designed for EMTs, AEMTs, and Paramedics seeking to strengthen their knowledge of adult neurologic emergencies, pediatric congenital heart disease, and acute coronary syndrome. It provides a comprehensive review of three of the most clinically significant cardiovascular and neurologic conditions encountered in modern EMS practice.