Critical Care Respiratory Assessment & Management Course (CcRAM©)

Course Description:

This two-day course reviews advanced respiratory management of the critically ill patient. Through didactic and hands-on format the student will learn to setup and troubleshoot ventilators for various types of patients, in multiple settings, such as emergency room, critical care units and during ground and air transport. This program takes the mystery out of blood gas analysis by breaking down the ABG results and systematically evaluating each component. Once the ABG is interpreted reinforcing learning with the use of scenario-based interactive group exercises. This course will answer how to setup, adjust and evaluate mechanical ventilation effectiveness.

Course Objectives:

·       Discuss three patient factors to be consider when initiating mechanical ventilation

·       List the anatomical structures involved in spontaneous respiration

·       Demonstrate ventilator setup on a manikin

·       Calculate paralytic drug dosage for rapid sequence induction

·       Interpret ABG and set appropriate mode for optimal ventilation of a 70 kg patient

Course Content:

·       Respiratory Anatomy and Physiology

·       Diseases effecting ventilation and how to manage them

·       Gas exchange/ABG interpretation and analyzes made easy

·       Ventilated patient evaluation and monitoring

·       Physiological effects of positive pressure

·       Critical care considerations

o   Sedation

o   Mode of transport

o   Differential diagnosis 

·       Vent setup to include:

o   Modes most frequently used

o   Mode interpretation and evaluation

o   Setting PEEP

o   Common equipment errors and how to troubleshoot them on the fly

o   Hands-on practice with ventilators

Course Duration: 2 days

Target Audience: Nurses, paramedics, respiratory therapists, ARNPs, PAs and physicians.