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 and alternate airways such as surgical airways.

Our CCEP Program is a 100 hour course comprised of classroom training, hands-on labs, and patient simulation experience. Our primary faculty includes physicians with experience in Emergency Medicine and critical care, who also have field experience as paramedics themselves. as well as Physician Assistants who actively practice Emergency Medicine, and Nurses with outstanding clinical experience. Supplemental faculty includes technicians with unique training, such as balloon pump operation.

The class may also meet recertification requirements for NREMT EMT-P relicensure. Check with your Medical Director for approval.

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. Paramedics enrolling should seek the approval of their Medical Director BEFORE ENROLLING as this is required to obtain the Critical Care Endorsement from KBEMS.

When will the class meet?
The course is arranged on a M/Tu//We//M//We schedule. CCEP Schedule Note that class times are 6-10PM.

Where will the classes be held?
At Rural/Metro Base on Gilmour Lane. Map to Rural/Metro Base Location is subject to change depending on class size.

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 final, cumulative written test and a final cumulative skills test, periodic quizzes will be given. 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 5% 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?
$600, which includes the class text. A $300 deposit is required at the time of registration, and a payment of $300 when class begins.

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.

Is my deposit refundable?
Unfortunately, due to the commitment of hosting a class of this nature, we cannot offer refunds. However, we will allow someone to take your position and they may pay their deposit to you. If the class does not have a minimum number of students to hold the class, all deposits will be returned.

What about absences?
We understand ‘life happens’. But, due the brevity of the course and tremendous amount of material covered, only 2 absences 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.

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 us 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 minimum 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. Cost for the CEU track is $400. Complete a Application, note that you request the CEU track, copy your certification cards, and include the $300 deposit. Books are not included with the CEU price, but may be available for purchase.

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 tremendous similarity, and the course should be much easier.

Can I smoke or eat/drink in class?
No. Our host facility does not allow smoking. Besides, it is bad for you. A breakroom is nearby for drinks or snacks for between-class breaks.

How do I register?
You may download and mail in a Application. Or, you may Register Online Online Registrants should bring a copy of: 1. Driver's License, 2. Paramedic License and 3. Copy of ACLS or equivalent to the first night of class.

Course Faculty (subject to change)
Everett Stephens, MD FAAEM*            Emergency Medicine, ex-Paramedic, Course Medical Director
Raymond Orthober MD NREMT-P*     Emergency Medicine, Medical Director, StatCare
Chris Hanson PA-C                               Emergency Medicine, ex-paramedic
Jennifer Hopkins MD FAAP*                Pediatrics, Pediatric Emergency Medicine
Jason Meckler, MD*                             Neurology
Dawn Day RN                                       Air Methods Flight Nurse
Kim Hicks RN                                       ICU/Critical RN

* Asst Clinical Professor, U of L School of Medicine

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