The PACEP Pulmonary Artery Catherter Education Project has been removed from the web. There is evidence that these are not supported in the literature.
The Critical Care Paramedic (CCEMT-P) is a level of training intended for the experienced Paramedic provider. The State of Michigan currently does not recognize this level of care, but licensure at this level may be recognized by the state in the future. Many EMS agencies are asking Paramedics to complete the training at this level in order to allow for additional transport opportunities for their agency.
In addition to the regular responsibilities performed by the Paramedic, Critical Care Paramedics manage the patient with serious medical conditions requiring continuous monitoring and care. These patients require much more attention and management than most patients seen by the Paramedic routinely.
The training is recognized by the State of Michigan at this time, and most recommendations point to the completion of a nationally-recognized and accredited program, such as the Critical Care Transport CCEMT-P Program offered by the University of Maryland, Baltimore Campus (UMBC). The EMS Education Department at Kellogg Community College offers the only UMBC CCEMTP affiliated program in the State of Michigan at this time. UMBC CCEMTP courses have been held here at KCC since 1999.
This training is above and beyond the normal training required of the Paramedic. CCEMT-P students are expected to become knowledgable and/or proficient in the use of equipment utilized in the care and management of the severely ill or injured patient. Equipment may include: transport ventilators, invasive monitoring devices, various -ostomy related devices, central lines, intra-aortic balloon pumps, to name a few. The CCEMT-P may be required to perform emergency surgical airways in the emergency setting.
Critical Care Paramedics are finding roles such as: prehospital care providers in the EMS setting, experienced clinicians working in ICU/CCU, transporting patients during interfacility transfers, and working in flight-related EMS transport agencies as well.