Course Breakdown:  3 Hour Self-Paced Course
Credit Awarded:  3 Hours
Credit Type: Advanced
Accredited: CAPCE (F3-Distributive), CE Broker (FL, KY, TN), Pennsylvania Bureau of EMS*, and Virginia Office of EMS(pending)
Enrollment Period:  One year or until completed, whichever comes first
Topics:  Nervous System A&P

*PA Bureau of EMS reporting is by Regional Endorsement.

This self-paced course is designed for EMS professionals who are responsible for caring for patients with complex neurologic conditions.

  • Provides a detailed review of neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and the essential pathophysiologic concepts that guide high-acuity neurologic assessment and management in the transport environment.
  • Explores the structure and function of the central and peripheral nervous systems, the protective meningeal layers, cerebrospinal fluid dynamics, and the ventricular system, including clinical considerations related to intracranial pressure and shunt malfunction.
  • Highlights the roles of major brain regions, the brainstem, cerebellum, cranial nerves, and spinal cord organization as they relate to neurologic assessment findings and patient presentation.
  • Learn how to perform systematic neurologic evaluations in both conscious and unresponsive patients, including cranial nerve testing, motor and sensory assessments, evaluation of speech and visual disturbances, recognition of abnormal respiratory patterns, and interpretation of signs such as Cushing’s triad.
  • Emphasizes the identification of acute alterations in mental status, differential diagnosis considerations, and the integration of laboratory and imaging findings into clinical decision-making.
  • Special focus is placed on transport-specific challenges—such as environmental stressors, physiologic changes, equipment management, and monitoring considerations—that can exacerbate neurologic compromise during air or ground transport.
  • Evidence-based management strategies are reviewed, including airway and ventilation priorities, blood pressure optimization, ICP considerations, pharmacologic interventions, positioning, and ongoing reassessment.

By the end of this module, learners will have a strengthened understanding of neurologic system function and dysfunction, improved ability to recognize and assess neurologic emergencies, and enhanced confidence in applying critical care transport principles to safely manage these patients during interfacility or scene-to-facility transport.