The Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) provides a framework for the management of an injured patient. Designed for physicians, this course teaches participants how to prioritize and stabilize a critically injured patient. The FCCS course was prepared under the direction of the SCCM by leading international multiprofessional critical care educators in anesthesiology, emergency medicine, internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, pharmacy and nursing.  During the two-day FCCS course, attendees participate in lectures and hands-on training for important critical care skills including mechanical ventilation, hemodynamic monitoring, neurological support and life threatening infections.  This course is for Physicians, Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners, Nurses, Respiratory Therapists, EMS and other healthcare professionals.

Course Purpose: 

• To better prepare the non-intensivist for the first 24 hours of management of the critically ill patient until transfer or appropriate critical care consultation can be arranged.
• To assist the non-intensivist in dealing with sudden deterioration of the critically ill patient.
• To prepare house staff for ICU coverage.
• To prepare nurses and other critical care practitioners to deal with acute deterioration in the critically ill patient.

Course Objectives:

• Prioritize assessment needs for critically ill and injured patients.
• Select appropriate diagnostic tests.
• Identify and respond to significant changes in unstable patients.
• Recognize and initiate management of acute life threatening conditions.
• Determine the need for expert consultation and/or patient transfer.

Upon completion of the FCCS Full course participants may receive up to 16.0 Continuing Medical Education (CME) hours for a full certification.  There are no prerequisites for this course for the full certification course. For a renewal course, your certification must be current.

 Topics covered:

• Recognition and Assessment of the Seriously Ill Patient
• Airway Management
• Cardiopulmonary/Cerebral Resuscitation
• Diagnosis and Management of Acute Respiratory Failure
• Mechanical Ventilation
• Monitoring Blood Flow, Oxygenation, and Acid-Base Status
• Diagnosis and Management of Shock
• Neurologic Support
• Basic Trauma and Burn Support
• Acute Coronary Syndromes
• Life-Threatening Infections: Diagnosis and Antimicrobial Therapy Selection
• Management of Life-Threatening Electrolyte and Metabolic Disturbances
• Special Considerations
• Critical Care in Pregnancy
• Ethics in Critical Care Medicine
• Critical Care in Infants and Children: The Basics

Approximate Length: 16 Hours (Full Course)

Required Materials: FCCS Student Manual

The FCCS textbook is required for all participants, and must be present in the classroom during instruction.  Pre-tests for the course must be completed prior to arrival on Day 1 od the course.