This version of the PFCCS course is designed for the individual, self-directed learner using online tools. This program is also available in other formats (see below).

This popular online course addresses fundamental management principles for the first 24 hours of critical care of the pediatric patient. This course is ideal for the non-intensivist who needs to manage a pediatric critical care patient until appropriate care consultation or transfer can be arranged. It also provides an excellent foundation for residents and other trainees and includes a comprehensive textbook. The PFCCS course was prepared under the direction of the SCCM by leading international multiprofessional critical care educators in pediatrics, anesthesiology, emergency medicine, internal medicine, surgery, pharmacy and nursing.

Self directed course available Fall 2012

Course Purpose

• To better prepare the non-intensivist for the first 24 hours of post-resuscitation management of the critically ill pediatric patient until transfer or appropriate critical care consultation can be arranged.
• To prepare non-intensivists, nurses, and critical care practitioners in dealing with acute deterioration of the critically ill pediatric patients.
• To assist the non-intensivist in dealing with the sudden deterioration of a previously stable patient.
• To prepare house staff for PICU coverage.

Course Objectives

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

Intended Audience
Pediatric Fundamental Critical Care Support (PFCCS) is designed to prepare health care professionals caring for unstable, critically ill, or injured pediatric patients. Likely participants include:

• Hospitalists caring for potentially unstable, critically ill or injured pediatric patients.
• Advance Practice Nurses and Physician Assistants with limited pediatric practice
• Rapid Response/Medical Emergency Team members
• Critical care fellows beginning their training
• Emergency medicine physicians who do not routinely care for pediatric patients
• Nurses caring for complex and potentially unstable pediatric patients
• Pre-hospital providers with lengthy patient transfer times

This online course includes:

Pre- and Post-Tests
Pre- and post-tests validate learners' knowledge accrual following participation in a PFCCS Course. Tests have been structured to reflect the Course content. A post-test score of 70% or higher is required for successful course completion and continuing education credit eligibility.

Course Textbook
Pediatric critical care experts have written, reviewed, and organized the text to reflect the most current guidelines and practices. The book is provided in English and is mailed to the participant after registration. Chapters include topics unique to the pediatric population, such as: assessment, pediatric airway management, acute upper and lower airway disease, invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilation; traumatic injuries including burns; shock; transport; sedation; analgesia and pharmacology; neurologic emergencies; electrolyte and metabolic disorders; and acute infections. Other topics include:

• Management of Congenital Heart Disease
• Cardiopulmonary/Cerebral Resuscitation
• Pediatric Disaster Preparedness
• Poisoning
• Ethical and Legal Issues
• Oncologic Emergencies
• Acute Renal Failure
• Post-Operative Management
• Hematology: Coagulation and Transfusion

Appendices
The text also includes several important appendices with content that serves as reference material on current pediatric critical care practice. These include:

• Endotracheal Intubation
• PALS Algorithms
• Intraosseous Needle Insertion
• SCCM Practice Parameters
• Thoracostomy
• Arterial Line Insertion
• Central Venous Line Insertion
• Pediatric Normal Values
• Transport Templates
• Airway Adjuncts
• Common Medications
• Defibrillation/Cardioversion
• External Pacing
• Difficult Airway Algorithm
• Rapid Response (Medical Emergency)Teams
• Role of the Hospitalist

Skills Stations
Not included in the online format

Presentation Format
The PFCCS online course is presented in English. Presentation materials appear onscreen and include narration and access to slides in Adobe PDF Format. Interactive activities keep the learner engaged. The learner has the ability to leave and return to the course at any time, restarting the program or continuing where the learner left off during the prior session, as well as the ability to go back and review any previously viewed material. The online program is available immediately after purchase and remains available to the registrant for four weeks from date of purchase. The program must be viewed while connected to the Internet. This online program is best viewed using Internet Explorer, although it may also be viewed using other browsers which can view Adobe Flash files. (Not currently compatible with Apple Mobile OS [i.e., iPad, iPhone].) Once you have completed the registration process, you will access the course by logging into www.MySCCM.org.

CE/CME
A post-test score of 70% or higher is required for successful course completion and continuing education credit eligibility. The course will provide continuing education credits for physicians, nurses, pharmacists and respiratory therapists.

Pricing (for online course inclusive of textbook)
Members: $175 plus shipping/handling
Non-Members: $225 plus shipping/handling

Self directed course available Fall 2012

Other Formats Available
The above program is also available in an instructor-led online format as well as a traditional, live instructor led format which can be hosted at any institution, meeting or other face-to-face learning event by a qualified instructor. Both of the instructor led formats include clinical skills stations.