Critical Care Endorsement Program at Know How Inc

EMT-Paramedic
Critical Care Endorsement Program

What is a Critical Care Endorsement?
The Kentucky Board of EMS has a Critical Care Endorsement (CCE) where currently certified Paramedics can obtain a ‘Endorsement’ that allows the paramedic to perform skills and procedures above and beyond what are traditionally taught in a DOT-delineated Paramedic course. These skills usually include advanced airway techniques, for example, Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA), digital intubation, cricothyrotomy, and retrograde intubations. The skill set is modeled after the University of Maryland Baltimore College’s CCEMT-P certification.

While highly beneficial to all paramedics, the course contains elements that are specifically applicable to air transport, critical care ground transport, and inter-facility transport. Not all paramedics will be able to utilize the skill set presented at a Critical Care Course. All skills must be approved by your agency Medical Director, and protocols introduced within your agency that will delineate the skills available to you. So, in summary, even though you may learn how to do a chest tube in class, your service or medical director may not provide the protocols that allow you to do this in the field.

What is Know How’s CCEP?
Responding to a need for advanced training in the EMS community, Know How has developed a Critical Care Course that meets the requirements of KBEMS’s Critical Care Endorsement provision. It includes material covered by UMBC’s CCEMT-P ^TMcourse, but also covers additional material that is often omitted from CCEMT-P courses (such as tube thoracostomies-chest tubes), or unique to KHI’s course- patient simulation at the Paris Simulation Lab at the University of Louisville School of Medicine.

Our CCEP Program is a 100 hour course comprised of classroom training, hands-on labs, and patient simulation experience. In-hospital clinicals are an optional opportunity, as is time at StatCare. Our primary faculty includes physicians with experience in emergency and critical care, who also have field experience as paramedics themselves. Supplemental faculty includes nurse practitioners who have extensive experience in a particular field-emergency medicine or critical care.

What is the course NOT?
Our course will not provide CCEMT-P certification. While there are significant similarities between the two courses due to KBEMS requirements, CCEMT-P is a trademark held by UMBC that requires a significant monetary investment, as well as requiring the use of their proprietary material and their instructor(s). CCEMT-P certification is not required to obtain the Critical Care Endorsement in Kentucky. If you are specifically interested in CCEMT-P certification, please contact us for more details.

Are there any prerequisites for the course?
Yes. Priority will be given to currently certified Paramedics in Kentucky or Indiana. Other professions will be admitted on a first-come, first serve basis.

When will the class meet?
The course is arranged on a M/Tu//We//M//We schedule (i.e., off days for LMEMS Platoon B). See Critical Care Paramedic Schedule Note that classtimes are 6-10PM, but the Paris Simulation Lab will be during the day 8A-4P, also scheduled on off-days.

Where will the classes be held?
Jewish Medical Center-Southwest Community Room.

I am not a paramedic, I am a.... Can I attend?
RNs are welcome to attend, and priority will be given to those who provide emergency care on a daily basis, i.e., in the ED or in EMS transport. EMT-Intermediates may apply, but attendance will be decided on a case-by-case basis since the material is directed at advanced level providers such as paramedics and nurses. Enrollment preference will be given to Paramedics and RNs. In other words, a EMT-Intermediate will be unseated by a later-registering Paramedic due to the nature of the course (sorry!).

Are there tests?
Oh, yes. We can’t forget the tests! In addition to a midterm and a final, cumulative written test and a final, cumulative skills test, periodic quizzes will be given that will count toward your final score. Your instructor will cover this on the first night of class. Passing is 70%, with the highest scoring person receiving ‘High Honors’ and subsequent highest 10-15% of the class (fractions rounded) will receive ‘Honors’ distinction.

What books will I need?
Know How will provide you with a copy of the class text, Bledsoe’s ‘Critical Care Paramedic’. The Workbook is not provided, but can be purchased by the student if desired. Reading the assigned chapters before the class is HIGHLY recommended.

What format will the tests take?
Usually multiple choice test questions, or short answer. However, instructors are free to use whatever testing format they feel best reinforces the material.

How hard will it be?
This course covers many advanced techniques, concepts, and relies on a database of information that you may have gathered during your practice in EMS. Even the most experienced paramedic will find studying and reading necessary. The stronger your knowledge base of the basic concepts of anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and paramedic-level emergency care, the easier the course will be. All will find the course challenging. Some may find the course extremely challenging. This course can be thought of as more like a 300- or 400-level college biology course than a typical Paramedic course.

You will be reading nearly all of your text prior to course completion. It is highly recommended that you read all associated material prior to the class session. This will enhance your learning and make the class easier. Very little class time will be dedicated to reviewing and covering material that has already been presented.

Is Internet access required?
Yes. Test scores, supplemental information, class notices, and other info will be posted on KHI’s website periodically throughout the course. Broadband is helpful, but not required.

What is the cost?
$690, which includes the class text. A $200 deposit is required at the time of registration, and either:

1. A payment of $490 when class begins, or
2. A payment of $245 and a postdated check for $245 dated 30 days from the beginning of class, which will be deposited no sooner than the written date.

What if the class is full?
We will start an alternate list, in case original applicants cannot attend the class. Alternates may be notified even as late as the day the class starts, so be sure the contact information is accurate on your application. Deposits will not be required of alternates, but payment is expected as described above.

I had registered for the class, and I just found out I cannot attend.. Can I get a refund?
$150 of your $200 deposit will be refunded if:

1. You give notice in writing to Know How at least 2 weeks before the class begins, AND
2. Someone on the alternate list is able to fill your spot and make payment be class beginning.

If both conditions are met, any applicable refund will be processed 1 week after the class begins.

What about absences?
We understand ‘life happens’. But, due the brevity of the course and tremendous amount of material covered, only 1 absence can be permitted. We strongly encourage perfect attendance since students will still be held responsible for all material covered, and generally, the material is only covered once. Students who miss two or more class may be asked to leave the class.

I would like to do a ride-along with StatCare. How?
Ride time with StatCare is an ideal adjunct to our classwork. We encourage you to contact Statcare and arrange a convenient time for you to ride along. Contact them at StatCare as soon as possible, since the ride schedule often fills up quickly. As of October 2, they are undergoing a transition period and are not accepting ride-alongs until this period is over.

What about re-certification?
Know How has identified a portion of the CCEP that will serve as re-certification for those who have completed the CCEP within the last two years. Contact KHI for availability and cost.

For those students needing Critical Care level CEU hours, we have a program to fit your needs. See the Schedule for classes that have a 'Y' in the CEU HRS column. These classes are required attendance, and the student can choose an additional 3-4 hours of electives among any other lecture class. This provides a total of 36 hours-lecture and 6 hours-lab of CEU. Certificates will be provided at the completion of the class. Specific requirements by your medical director for certain amount of hours in certain areas will supercede these requirements, contact us for instructions. Cost for the CEU track is $425. Complete a Application, note that you request the CEU track, copy your certification cards, and include the $200 deposit. Books are not included with the CEU price, but may be available for purchase. If you wish to participate in the Paris Simulation Lab, this is recommended, but will incur an extra charge since we are charged by the hour. No absences in the core recertification track can be allowed, but you may change elective hours.

What happens if I fail the class?
Students who have less than 70% after the final, cumulative written test have a second opportunity with a second final. Those failing the final skills test have a second opportunity to pass with a make-up skills test. Students failing both the final written test and and skills test have the option to retest both at the option of the Course Medical Director. Those failing either test the second time will be eligible to retest after completing a refresher course with a later course. The course tuition does not include the refresher course tuition.

Does this course prevent me from later taking a CCEMT-P course?
No. You may find a lot of similarity, and the course should be much easier.

Can I smoke or eat/drink in class?
No. Jewish Hospital & Sts. Mary & Elizabeth Healthcare is a non-smoking campus. A breakroom is nearby for drinks or snacks.

Course Faculty
Everett Stephens, MD FAAEM*            Emergency Medicine, ex-Paramedic, Course Medical Director
Raymond Orthober, MD, NREMT-P*   Emergency Medicine, Paramedic, StatCare Medical Director
Paul Adams, MD*                                 Emergency Medicine, ex-Paramedic
Rick Lawson MD*                                 Internal Medicine, Critical Care, ex-Paramedic
Jennifer Hopkins MD FAAP*                Pediatrics, Pediatric Emergency Medicine
Lynell Chamberlain MD FCCP*            Pulmonology, Critical Care
Jason Meckler, MD*                            Neurology
Chris Bidwell RN CEN                        Statcare Air Transport
Randy Moulin RN CEN                       StatCare Air Transport
Susan Wilson CEN                              StatCare Air Transport
(faculty subject to change)

* Asst Clinical Professor, U of L School of Medicine

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