bcc t pc handbook

8/12/2019 Bcc t Pc Handbook

1/18

March 2010

Candidate

Handbook


2/18

Board for Critical CareTransport Paramedic Certification

Page 1

INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

TESTING AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

APPLYING FOR AN EXAMINATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

SCHEDULING AN EXAMINATION APPOINTMENT . . . . . 2

SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR CANDIDATESWITH DISABILITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

TELECOMMUNICATION DEVICES FOR THE DEAF . . . . . 3

ASSESSMENT CENTER LOCATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

EXAMINATION APPOINTMENT CHANGES . . . . . . . . . . . 3

MISSED APPOINTMENTS AND CANCELLATIONS . . . . . 3

FAILING TO REPORT FOR AN EXAMINATION . . . . . . . . . . 3

PREPARING FOR THE EXAMINATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

FP-C EXAMINATION CONTENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

CCP-C EXAMINATION CONTENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

SAMPLE QUESTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

ON THE DAY OF YOUR EXAMINATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

SECURITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

PRACTICE EXAMINATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

TIMED EXAMINATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

INCLEMENT WEATHER OR EMERGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

EXAMINATION RESTRICTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

MISCONDUCT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

FOLLOWING THE EXAMINATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

IF YOU PASS THE EXAMINATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

IF YOU DO NOT PASS THE EXAMINATION . . . . . . . . . . . 13

SCORES CANCELED BY THE BCCTPCOR AMP . . . . . 13

DUPLICATE SCORE REPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

REQUEST FOR SPECIAL EXAMINATIONACCOMMODATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

DOCUMENTATION OF DISABILITY-RELATED NEEDS . . 16

DUPLICATE SCORE REPORT REQUEST FORM . . . . . . . 17

Copyright 2010. Board for Critical Care Transport Paramedic Certification (BCCTPC). All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproducedor transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy or recording, or any information and retrieval system, withoupermission in writing from the BCCTPC.

3/10

TABLE OF CONTENTS

HOW TO CONTACT BCCTPCBoard for Critical Care Transport

Paramedic Certification (BCCTPC)4835 Riveredge Cove

Snellville, GA 30039Phone: (770) 978-4400

Fax: (678) 261-1895E-mail: [email protected]

Web: www.BCCTPC.org

HOW TO CONTACT AMPApplied Measurement Professionals, Inc. (AMP)

18000 W. 105th StreetOlathe, KS 66061-7543

Phone: (913) 895-4600Fax: (913) 895-4650

E-mail: [email protected]: www.goAMP.com


3/18


Page 2

INTRODUCTIONThe Board for Critical Care Paramedic Certification isresponsible for the construction and administration of theCertified Flight Paramedic (FP-C) and the Certified Critical

Care Paramedic (CCP-C) Examinations. The examina-tions are available in both traditional paper and pencil andalso computer based.

The board is not affiliated or part of any other trade orga-nization and is not involved in any way with any reviewcourses offered to the public. If you have questions con-cerning the board or the administration of the examina-tions please contact the board president Graham Pierce [email protected]

TESTING AGENCYApplied Measurement Professionals, Inc. (AMP) is theprofessional testing agency contracted by BCCTPCto assist in the development, administration, scoringand analysis of the Certified Flight Paramedic and theCertified Critical Care Paramedic examinations. AMP is aresearch and development firm that conducts professionalcompetency assessment research and providesexamination services for a number of health practitionercredentialing programs.

STATEMENT OFNONDISCRIMINATION

BCCTPC and AMP do not discriminate amongcandidates on the basis of age, gender, race, color,religion, national origin, disability or marital status.

APPLYING FOR ANEXAMINATION

Register for the examinations through the BCCTPCwebsite at www.BCCTPC.org or by contacting theBCCTPC at (770) 978-4400. After your completedregistration and fees have been submitted and approved,

you will receive written notice that you are eligible to takethe examination. The period of eligibility is one year.

SCHEDULING ANEXAMINATION APPOINTMENT

After you have received notification of your eligibilityfrom BCCTPC, you may schedule an examinationappointment with AMP by one of the following methods.Be prepared to confirm a date and location for testing.

Online Scheduling:Go to www.goAMP.com at any timeand select Candidates. Follow the simple, step-by-stepinstructions to choose your examination and register forthe examination.

ORTelephone Scheduling: Call AMP at (888) 519-9901to schedule an examination appointment. This toll-freenumber is answered from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (CentraTime) Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.on Friday, and 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday.

The examinations are administered by appointmentonly Monday through Friday at 9:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.Individuals are scheduled on a first-come, first-servedbasis. Refer to the chart below.

If you contact AMP by 3:00 Your examination may be

p.m. Central Time on... scheduled beginning.. .

Monday Wednesday

Tuesday Thursday

Wednesday Friday/Saturday

Thursday Monday

Friday/Saturday Tuesday

After the appointment is made, you will be given a time toreport to the Assessment Center. Please make a note of itsince an admission letter will not be sent. You will only beallowed to take the examination for which the appointment

has been made. No changes in examination type wilbe made at the Assessment Center. UNSCHEDULEDCANDIDATES (WALK-INS) WILL NOT BE ADMITTED tothe Assessment Center.

Note: Examinations will not be offered on the followingholidays:

January 1, 2010 New Years Day

January 18, 2010 Martin Luther King Jr. Day

February 15, 2010 Presidents Day

April 2, 2010 Good Friday

May 31, 2010 Memorial Day

July 5, 2010 Independence Day

September 6, 2010 Labor Day

October 11, 2010 Columbus Day

November 11, 2010 Veterans Day

November 25-26, 2010 Thanksgiving Holiday

December 23-24, 2010 Christmas Holiday

December 30-31, 2010 New Years Holiday


4/18


Page 3

SPECIAL ARR ANGEMENTSFOR CANDIDATES W ITH

DISABILITIES

BCCTPC

and AMP comply with the Americans withDisabilities Act and strive to ensure that no individualwith a disability is deprived of the opportunity to take theexamination solely by reason of that disability. AMP willprovide reasonable accommodations for candidates withdisabilities.

Wheelchair access is available at all establishedAssessment Centers. Candidates with visual, sensory orphysical disabilities that would prevent them from takingthe examination under standard conditions may requestspecial accommodations and arrangements. To requestspecial accommodations, complete the REQUEST

FOR SPECIAL EXAMINATION ACCOMMODATIONSform included in this handbook then submit it with yourapplication and fee at least forty-five (45) business daysprior to your desired testing date. Please inform AMP ofyour need for special accommodations when schedulingyour examination.

TELECOMMUNICATIONDEVICES FOR THE DEAF

AMP is equipped with Telecommunication Devices forthe Deaf (TDD) to assist deaf and hearing-impaired

candidates. TDD calling is available 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.(Central Time) Monday-Friday at 913/895-4637. This TDDphone option is for individuals equipped with compatibleTDD machinery.

ASSESSMENT CENTERLOCATIONS

Examinations are administered by computer at 170 AMP

Assessment Centers geographically distributed throughoutthe United States. Assessment Center locations, detailed

maps and directions are available on AMPs website, www.goAMP.com. Specific address information will be provided

when you schedule your examination appointment.

EXAMINATION APPOINTMENTCHANGES

You may reschedule your appointment ONCE at nocharge by calling AMP at (888) 519-9901 at least 2business days prior to your scheduled appointment. Thefollowing schedule applies.

You must contact AMP by 3:00 p.m. If your examination Central Time to reschedule your is scheduled on.. . examination by the previous...

Monday Wednesday

Tuesday Thursday

Wednesday Friday

Thursday Monday

Friday/Saturday Tuesday

MISSED APPOINTMENTS AND

CANCELLATIONSYou will forfeit your examination registration and alfees paid to take the examination under the followingcircumstances. A new, complete registration and

examination fee are required to reapply for examination.

You cancel your examination after confirmation oeligibility is received.

You wish to reschedule an examination but fail tocontact AMP at least two business days prior to thescheduled testing session.

You wish to reschedule a second time.

You appear more than 15 minutes late for anexamination.

You fail to report for an examination appointment.

FAILING TO REPORT FOR ANEXAMINATIONIf you do not schedule an examination within the one yeaeligibility period, you forfeit the application and all feespaid to take the examination. A complete application andfee are required to reapply for examination

PREPARING FOR THEEXAMINATION

The study and test-taking advice described here maybe helpful as you prepare for the examination. Try tobe objective about your individual learning needs whendeciding how best to study. Plan your study schedule welin advance.

The examination will be timed and the computer wilindicate the time remaining on the screen. If you find idistracting, the time feature may be turned off during theexamination. If you choose to turn off the time featureyou should pace yourself by periodically checking youprogress. This will allow you to make any necessaryadjustments. Remember, the more questions you answer


5/18


Page 4

the better your chances of achieving a passing score. Thetime limit is intended to allow candidates to complete theentire examination by working quickly and efficiently.

Be sure to answer each question, even the ones for

which you are uncertain. Avoid leaving any questionsunanswered; this will maximize your chances of passing. Itis better to guess than to leave a question unanswered; thereis no penalty for guessing.

FP-C EXAMINATION CONTENTThe Certified Flight Paramedic (FP-C) Examinationconsists of 125 questions and the candidate isprovided 2.5 hours to complete the examination. Thecertification process is focused on the knowledge levelof accomplished, experienced paramedics currentlyassociated with a Flight and/or Critical Care TransportTeams. The questions on the examination are basedin sound paramedicine. The candidate is expected tomaintain a significant knowledge of current ACLS, PALS,NALS, & ITLS/PHTLS standards. This examination is notmeant to test entry-level knowledge, but rather to test theexperienced paramedics skills and knowledge of criticalcare transport.

As you prepare for the examination, please consider thereare a variety of mission profiles throughout the spectrumof transport medicine. Please remember this examinationtests the candidates overall knowledge of the transport

environment, not the specifics of one individual program.Just because your program does not complete IABPtransports, does not mean you will not have questionsrelated to these types of transports. Likewise, if yourprogram does not SAR, you still need to understand thisinformation for the examination.

We have included a brief outline below of the topics andskills included in the exam. As you can see, most of theseare beyond the scope of the average field paramedic.Though some outline topics within the paramedics scopeof practice, the exam questions will be related to critica

care and are of a much higher level of difficulty. Thedetailed content outline follows.

FP-C

Question Category # of Questions

on Exam

Trauma Management 9

Aircraft Fundamentals, Safety and Survival 12

Flight Physiology 10

Advanced Airway Management Techniques 5

Neurological Emergencies 10

Critical Cardiac Patient 20

Respiratory Patient 10

Toxic Exposures 6

Obstetrical Emergencies 4

Neonates 4

Pediatric 10

Burn Patients 5

General Medical Patient 16

Environmental 4


6/18


Page 5

1. Trauma Management (9)A. Perform patient triageB. Differentiate injury patterns associated with specific

mechanisms of injuryC. Identify patients who meet trauma center criteriaD. Perform a comprehensive assessment of the trauma

patientE. Initiate the critical interventions for the management of the

trauma patientF. Provide care for the patient with life-threatening thoracic

injuries (e.g., pneumothorax, flail chest,tamponade, myocardial rupture)

G. Provide care for the patient with abdominal injuries (e.g.,diaphragm, liver and spleen)

H. Provide care for the patient with orthopedic injuries (e.g.,pelvic, femur, spinal)

I. Administer appropriate pharmacology for traumamanagement

2. Aircraft Fundamentals, Safety and Survival (12)A. Assess the safety of the sceneB. Conduct preflight checks to ensure aircraft integrityC. Conduct preflight checks to ensure equipment is present,

functional, and stowedD. Observe for hazards during aircraft operationE. Utilize proper safety equipment while in flightF. Maintain a sterile cockpit during critical phases of flightG. Approach and depart the aircraft in a safe mannerH. Ensure safety around the aircraftI. Secure the patient for flight

J. Participate in crew resource management (CRM)K. Participate in flight mission safety decisions (e.g.,

Go No Go, abort)L. Respond to in-flight emergencies 1. fire 2. emergency egress 3. emergent landing 4. adverse weather conditionsM. Perform immediate post-accident duties at a crash siteN. Build survival sheltersO. Initiate emergency survival proceduresP. Ensure the safety of all passengers (e.g., specialty teams,

family, law enforcement, observer)

Q. Estimate weather conditions that are below weatherminimums

3. Flight Physiology (10)A. Identify causes of hypoxiaB. Take corrective measures to prevent altitude related

hypoxiaC. Identify signs of barometric traumaD. Identify stressors related to transport (e.g., thermal,

humidity, noise, vibration, or fatigue related conditions)E. Take corrective action for patient stressors related to

transportF. Relate the relevant gas laws to patient condition and

treatment

G. Relate the stages of hypoxia to patient condition andtreatment

H. Identify immediate causes of altitude related conditions in

patientsI. Identify immediate causes of altitude related conditions as

they affect the air medical crewJ. Provide appropriate interventions to prevent the adverse

effects of altitude changes during patient transport

4. Advanced Airway Management Techniques (5)A. Identify the indications for basic and advanced airway

managementB. Identify the indications and contraindications for specific

airway interventionsC. Perform advanced airway management techniquesD. Administer appropriate pharmacology for airway

management

E. Implement a failed airway algorithmF. Identify esophageal intubationG. React to intubation complicationsH. Perform alternative airway management techniques (e.g.,

needle cricothyrotomy, surgical cricothyotomy, Seldingertechnique, retrograde intubation, LMA)

I. Monitor airway management and ventilation duringtransport

J. Use mechanical ventilation

5. Neurological Emergencies (10)A. Conduct differential diagnosis of coma patientsB. Manage patients with seizuresC. Manage patients with cerebral ischemia

D. Initiate the critical interventions for the management of apatient with a neurologic emergency

E. Provide care for a patient with a specific neurologicemergency

F. Perform a baseline neurologic assessment of a traumapatient

G. Perform an ongoing serial evaluation of a neurologicpatient

H. Assess changes in intracranial pressure using patient leveof consciousness

I. Perform a focused neurological assessmentJ. Assess a patient using the Glasgow coma scaleK. Manage patients with head injuries

L. Manage patients with spinal cord injuriesM. Evaluate muscle strength and motor functionN. Administer appropriate pharmacology for neurological

management

6. Critical Cardiac Patient (20)A. Perform a detailed cardiovascular assessmentB. Identify patients experiencing an acute cardiac event (e.g.

acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, cardiogenicshock, primary arrhythmias, hemodynamic instability)

C. Use invasive monitoring during transport, as indicated, forthe purpose of clinical management

D. Provide treatment for patients with acute cardiac eventsand hemodynamic abnormalities

FP-C Detailed Content Outline


7/18


Page 6

E. Control cardiopulmonary support devices to patientcondition as part of patient management (e.g., ventricularassist devices, transvenous pacer, intra-aortic balloonpump)

F. Assist in the control of cardiopulmonary support devices

to patient condition as part of patient management (e.g.,ventricular assist devices, transvenous pacer, intra-aorticballoon pump)

G. Conduct defibrillation during transportH. Administer appropriate pharmacology for cardiac

management

7. Respiratory Patient (10)A. Perform a detailed respiratory assessmentB. Identify patients experiencing respiratory compromise

(e.g., acute respiratory distress syndrome, spontaneouspneumothorax, pneumonia)

C. Monitor patients respiratory status using laboratoryvalues and diagnostic equipment (e.g., pulse oximetry,

capnography, blood gas values, chest radiography)D. Provide treatment for patients with acute respiratory eventsE. Administer appropriate pharmacology for respiratory

management

8. Toxic Exposures (6)A. Conduct a physical examination of a toxicological patientB. Decontaminate toxicological patients when indicatedC. Administer poison antidotes when indicatedD. Provide emergency care for victims of envenomation (e.g.,

snake bite, scorpion sting, spider bite)E. Administer appropriate pharmacology for toxic exposuresF. Provide treatment for toxicological patients (e.g.,

medication overdose, chemical/biological/radiological

exposure) 9. Obstetrical Emergencies (4)

A. Perform an assessment of the obstetrical patientB. Perform fetal assessmentC. React to special transport considerations of the obstetrical

patientD. Provide treatment for high-risk obstetrical patientsE. Assess uterine contractionsF. Conduct interventions for obstetrical emergencies (e.g.,

pregnancy induced hypertension, hypertonic or titaniccontractions, cord prolapse, placental abruption)

G. Assess whether transport can safely be attempted orwhether delivery should be accomplished at the referring

facilityH. Administer appropriate pharmacology for obstetrical

patientsI. Manage emergent delivery

10. Neonates (4)A. Perform an assessment of the neonatal patientB. Reevaluate the clinical assessment and management of

the neonate when initial emergency measures failC. Administer appropriate pharmacology for neonatal

patientsD. Implement neonatal resuscitation according to established

practice

E. Manage the isolette transportF. Provide treatment of neonatal emergencies

11. Pediatric (10)A. Perform an assessment of the pediatric patientB. Identify the pediatric patient experiencing an acute

respiratory event (e.g., epiglottitis, bronchiolitis, asthma)C. Identify the pediatric patient experiencing an acute

medical event (e.g., menningitis, overdose, seizures)D. Identify the pediatric patient experiencing an acute

cardiovascular event (e.g., shock, cardiac anomaly,dysrhythmias)

E. Identify the pediatric patient experiencing an acutetraumatic event (e.g., auto v. pedestrian, falls, child abuse)

F. Administer appropriate pharmacology for pediatricpatients

G. Provide treatment of pediatric emergencies

12. Burn Patients (5)A. Perform an assessment of the burn patient

B. Calculate the percentage of total body surface areaburned

C. Calculate appropriate fluid replacement amounts basedon the patients burn injury and physiologic condition

D. Diagnose inhalation injuries in burn injury patientsE. Administer appropriate pharmacology for burn patientsF. Provide treatment of burn emergencies

13. General Medical Patient (16)A. Perform a focused medical assessmentB. Identify patients experiencing a medical emergency (e.g.,

AAA, GI bleed, bowel obstruction, HHNC)C. Use invasive monitoring during transport, as indicated, for

the purpose of clinical management

D. Provide treatment for patients with medical emergenciesE. Manage patient condition utilizing available laboratory

values (e.g., blood glucose, CBC, H/H)F. Administer appropriate pharmacology for the medical

patientG. Prevent transmissions of infectious diseaseH. Provide appropriate pain managementI. Evaluate and record patient pain levels

14. Environmental (4)A. Perform an assessment of the patient suffering from an

environmental emergencyB. Identify the patient experiencing a cold related emergency

(e.g., frostbite, hypothermia, cold water submersion)C. Identify the patient experiencing a heat related emergency

(e.g., heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps)D. Identify the patient experiencing a diving related

emergency (e.g., decompression sickness, arterial gasemboli, near drowning)

E. Identify the patient experiencing a altitude relatedemergency (e.g., HAPE, cerebral edema)

F. Administer appropriate pharmacology for environmentalemergency patients

G. Provide treatment of environmental emergencies


8/18


Page 7

CCP-C EXAMINATIONCONTENT

The Certified Critical Care Paramedic (CCP-C) Exami-

nation consists of 125 questions and the candidate isprovided 2.5 hours to complete the examination. Thecertification process is focused on the knowledge level ofaccomplished, critical care paramedics providing patientcare in the pre-hospital, inter-hospital and hospital envi-ronment. The questions on the examination are basedin sound paramedicine. The candidate is expected tomaintain a significant knowledge of current ACLS, PALS,NALS, & ITLS/PHTLS standards. This examination is notmeant to test entry-level knowledge, but rather to test theexperienced paramedics skills and knowledge.

As you prepare for the examination, please consider there

are a variety of mission profiles throughout the spectrumof transport medicine. Please remember this examinationtests the candidates overall knowledge of the transportenvironment, not the specifics of one individual program.Just because your program does not complete IABPtransports, does not mean you will not have questionsrelated to these types of transports. Likewise, if yourprogram does not SAR, you still need to understand thisinformation for the examination.

We have included a brief outline below of the topics andskills included in the exam. As you can see, most of theseare beyond the scope of the average field paramedicThough some outline topics within the paramedics scopeof practice, the exam questions will be related to critica

care and are of a much higher level of difficulty. Thedetailed content outline follows.

CCP-C

Question Category # of Questions

on Exam

Trauma Patient Management 12

Transport Fundamentals, Safety and Survival 9

Advanced Airway Management Techniques 12

Neurologic Patient 11

Cardiac Patient 12Respiratory Patient 12

Toxic Exposure and Environmental Patient 12

Obstetrical Patients 9

Neonatal and Pediatric Patient 15

Burn Patients 9

General Medical Patient 12


9/18


Page 8

CCP-C Detailed Content Outline

1. Trauma Patient Management (12)A. Differentiate injury patterns associated with specific

mechanisms of injury

B. Rate a trauma victim using the Trauma ScoreC. Identify patients who meet trauma center criteriaD. Perform a comprehensive assessment of the trauma

patientE. Initiate the critical interventions for the management of the

trauma patient1. Manage the patient with life-threatening thoracic

injuries (e.g. pneumothorax, flail chest, tamponade,myocardial rupture)

2. Manage the patient with abdominal injuries (e.g.diaphragm, liver and spleen)

3. Manage the patient with orthopedic injuries (e.g.pelvic, femur, spinal)

4. Manage the patient with neurologic injuries (e.g.subdural, epidural, increased ICP)

F. Manage patients status using1. laboratory values (e.g., blood gas values, ISTAT)2. diagnostic equipment (e.g., pulse oximetry, chest

radiography, capnography)G. Administer pharmacologic agentsH. Manage trauma patient complicationsI. Administer blood products

2. Transport Fundamentals, Safety and Survival (9)A. Manage the safety of the work environmentB. Conduct checks to ensure transport vehicle integrityC. Conduct checks to ensure equipment is present,

functional, and stowedD. Observe for hazards during transport vehicle operationE. Use safety equipment while in transportF. Secure the patient for transportG. Practice crew resource managementH. Participate in mission safety decisionsI. Evaluate transport modeJ. Perform immediate post-accident duties at a crash siteK. Ensure the safety of all passengers (e.g., specialty teams,

family, law enforcement, observer)L. Identify stressors related to transport (e.g., thermal,

humidity, noise, vibration, or fatigue related conditions)M. Take corrective action for patient stressors related to

transport3. Advanced Airway Management Techniques (12)

A. Identify the indications for basic and advanced airwaymanagement

B. Identify the indications and contraindications for specificairway interventions

C. Perform advanced airway management techniquesD. Administer pharmacology for airway managementE. Implement a failed airway algorithmF. React to intubation complications

G. Perform alternative airway management techniques (e.g.,needle cricothyrotomy, surgical cricothyotomy, retrogradeintubation, LMA)

H. Monitor airway management and ventilation duringtransport

I. Manage mechanical ventilation

4. Neurologic Patient (11)A. Perform an assessment of the patientB. Conduct differential diagnosis of patients with comaC. Manage patients with seizuresD. Manage patients with cerebral ischemiaE. Initiate the critical interventions for the management of a

patient with a neurologic emergencyF. Provide care for a patient with a neurologic emergencyG. Assess a patient using the Glasgow coma scaleH. Manage patients with head injuries

I. Manage patients with spinal cord injuriesJ. Manage patients status using

1. laboratory values (e.g., blood gas values, ISTAT)2. diagnostic equipment (e.g., pulse oximetry, chest

radiography, capnography)K. Administer pharmacologic agentsL. Manage neurologic patient complications

5. Cardiac Patient (12)A. Manage patients experiencing a cardiac event (e.g.,

acute coronary syndrome, heart failure, cardiogenicshock, primary arrhythmias, hemodynamic instability)

B. Use invasive hemodynamic monitoringC. Assist in the use of cardiopulmonary support devices

as part of patient management (e.g., ventricular assistdevices, transvenous pacer, intra-aortic balloon pump)

D. Use cardiopulmonary support devices as part of patientmanagement (e.g., ventricular assist devices, transvenouspacer, intra-aortic balloon pump)

E. Manage patients status using1. laboratory values (e.g., blood gas values, ISTAT)2. diagnostic equipment (e.g., pulse oximetry, chest

radiography, capnography)F. Administer pharmacologic agentsG. Manage cardiac patients complications

6. Respiratory Patient (12)A. Perform an assessment of the patientB. Identify causes and stages of respiratory failureC. Manage patients with respiratory compromise (e.g.,

acute respiratory distress syndrome, spontaneouspneumothorax, pneumonia)

D. Manage patients status using1. laboratory values (e.g., blood gas values, ISTAT)2. diagnostic equipment (e.g., pulse oximetry, chest

radiography, capnography)E. Administer pharmacologic agentsF. Manage respiratory patients complications


10/18


Page 9

7. Toxic Exposure and Environmental Patient (12)A. Toxic Exposure Patient

1. Perform an assessment of the patient2. Decontaminate toxicological patients (e.g., chemical/

biological/radiological exposure)

3. Administer poison antidotes4. Provide care for victims of envenomation (e.g. snakebite, scorpion sting, spider bite)

5. Manage patients status usinga. laboratory values (e.g., blood gas values, ISTAT)b. diagnostic equipment (e.g., pulse oximetry, chest

radiography, capnography)6. Administer pharmacologic agents7. Manage toxicological patients (e.g., medication

overdose, chemical/biological/radiological exposure)8. Manage toxicological patient complications

B. Environmental Patient1. Perform an assessment of the patient

2. Manage the patient experiencing a cold-related illness(e.g., frostbite, hypothermia, cold water submersion)3. Manage the patient experiencing a heat-related illness

(e.g., heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps)4. Manage the patient experiencing a diving related

illness (e.g., decompression sickness, arterial gasemboli, near drowning)

5. Manage the patient experiencing altitude-relatedillness


radiography, capnography)7. Administer pharmacologic agents8. Treat patient with environmental complications

8. Obstetrical Patients (9)A. Perform an assessment of the patientB. Manage fetal distressC. Manage obstetrical patientsD. Assess uterine contraction patternE. Conduct interventions for obstetrical complications (e.g.,

pregnancy induced hypertension, hypertonic or titaniccontractions, cord prolapse, placental abruption)

F. Determine if transport can safely be attempted or ifdelivery should be accomplished at the referring facility

G. Manage patients status using

1. laboratory values (e.g., blood gas values, ISTAT)2. diagnostic equipment (e.g., pulse oximetry, chestradiography, capnography)

H. Administer pharmacologic agentsI. Manage emergent delivery and post-partum

complications

9. Neonatal and Pediatric Patient (15)A. Neonatal Patient

1. Perform an assessment of the patient2. Manage the resuscitation of the neonate3. Manage patients status using

a. diagnostic equipment (e.g., pulse oximetry, chestradiography, capnography)4. Administer pharmacologic agents5. Manage neonatal patient complications

B. Pediatric Patient1. Perform an assessment of the patient2. Manage the pediatric patient experiencing a medical

event Respiratory Toxicity

Cardiac Environmental GI Endocrine Neuro Infectious processes3. Manage the pediatric patient experiencing a traumatic

event Single vs. multiple system Burns Non-accidental trauma


radiography, capnography)c. Administer pharmacologic agentsd. Treat patient with pediatric complications

10. Burn Patients (9)A. Perform an assessment of the patientB. Calculate the percentage of total body surface area

burnedC. Manage fluid replacement therapyD. Manage inhalation injuries in burn injury patientsE. Manage patients status using

1. laboratory values (e.g., blood gas values, ISTAT)2. diagnostic equipment (e.g., pulse oximetry, chest

radiography, capnography)F. Administer pharmacologic agentsG. Provide treatment of burn complications

11. General Medical Patient (12)A. Perform an assessment of the patientB. Manage patients experiencing a medical condition (e.g.,

AAA, GI bleed, bowel obstruction, HHNC)

C. Use invasive monitoring for the purpose of clinicalmanagement

D. Manage patients status using1. laboratory values (e.g., blood gas values, ISTAT)2. diagnostic equipment (e.g., pulse oximetry, chest

radiography, capnography)E. Administer pharmacologic agentsF. Treat patient with general medical complications


11/18


Page 10

SAMPLE QUESTIONS1. On initial presentation of classic heatstroke, the

paramedic would expect what acid-base imbalance?

a. metabolic alkalosis

b. metabolic acidosisc. respiratory alkalosisd. respiratory acidosis

1. c. Initial symptoms of classis heat stroke include dizziness,headache, malaise, confusion, fever, tachycardia, hypoten-sion and hyperventilation. The respiratory rate quickens toincrease heat loss through exhaled air, as well as due to anincreased metabolic rate. Therefore, respiratory alkalosiscan be expected during the initial presentation phase. Air &Surface Patient Transport: Principles & Practice, p. 489.

2. You are called to a rural facility for a 56 year oldmale who was found unconscious in a local river.The patient has lacerations to the head and upperextremities. The sending facility has placed an ET tubeand has the patient sedated and paralyzed. The patienthas a pulmonary artery catheter showing a CVP-2, PApressures of 16/9, a cardiac output of 3.2 L/min andan SVR of 426. Based on this profile you expect thepatient to be experiencing:

a. cardiogenic shockb. ARDSc. hypovolemic shockd. neurogenic shock

2. d. This patient is presenting with a low CVP, lowpulmonary artery pressures, low cardiac output and a lowsystemic vascular resistance. A patient in neurogenic shockloses sympathetic stimulation below the level of injury, thusinhibiting vasoconstriction and resulting in hypotension or lowfilling pressures. Thelan, L., Urden, L., Lough, M., & Stacy, K.(1998). Critical Care Nursing: Diagnosis and Management,St. Louis, MO: Mosby.

3. Upon placing an OB patient on a fetal monitor fortransport, the paramedic notes hypertonic contractionson the tocometer, late decelerations on the fetal

monitor followed by a sinusoidal pattern. The flightparamedic suspects what condition?

a. chorionitisb. placental abruptionc. uterine ruptured. oligohydramnios

3. b. Patterns of placental abruption include hypertonic ortitanic contractions, distressed fetal response and sinusoidalpatterns on the fetal monitor. In addition, pregnant patientsin their third trimester are predisposed to placental abruptioneven in low impact collisions. Air & Surface Patient Transport:

Principles & Practice, p. 533 & 547.

4. You respond to an outlying facility to transport a3 year old with sudden onset of respiratory distress,fever, dysphagia and drooling. The patient is coughingup blood tinged sputum. No significant past medicalhistory or allergies. What do you suspect is the cause

of the respiratory distress?a. croupb. epiglottitisc. foreign body aspirationd. bronchiolitis

4. b. Rationale: The patient is exhibiting signs and symptomsof epiglottitis. Epiglottitis typically occurs in children betweenthe ages of 3 and 7. The child will present with an onset ofsymptoms within the past 6-8 hours. Symptoms includedysphagia, fever, drooling, and a hoarse or muffled voice.

5. You are called to transport a 67 year old malewith complaints of sudden onset of severe backand shoulder pain radiating to his flank, groin, andbuttocks. The patient is diaphoretic and pale. His chestx-ray shows mediastenal widening and a left pleuraleffusion. What disease process do you suspect?

a. Kidney stoneb. Aortic aneurysmc. Pulmonary embolusd. Myocardial infarction

5. b. Classic symptoms of aortic dissection include suddenonset of interscapular, back or substernal pain, sometimesextending to the legs. Shock, diaphoresis, peripheralcyanosis, pallor and restlessness are also present. Signs oforgan ischemia and cardiac disease may also be present.Chest x-ray findings include mediastinal widening, alocalized bulge on the aortic arch, tracheal deviation, leftpleural effusion, and extension of the aortic shadow beyonda calcified aortic wall. Air & Surface Patient Transport:Principles & Practice, p. 395-6.

6. When transferring a patient from an air ambulance to aground ambulance, the ground personnel should

a. stay outside the landing zone until signaled by the

pilot or flight crewb. swiftly approach the aircraft to continue the patient

transferc. cautiously approach the aircraft and open the doord. make contact with dispatch and wait on the tarmac

6. a. Ground personnel should wait outside the landing zoneand approach only when signaled. Emergency Care and

Transportation of the Sick and Injured 8th Ed. P.826.


12/18


Page 11

ON THE DAY OF YOUREXAMINATION

On the day of your examination appointment, report to theAssessment Center no later than your scheduled testing

time. Once you enter the Assessment Center, look forthe signs indicating AMP Assessment Center Check-In.IF YOU ARRIVE MORE THAN 15 MINUTES AFTERTHE SCHEDULED TESTING TIME YOU WILL NOT BEADMITTED.

To gain admission to the Assessment Center, you mustpresent two forms of identification, one with a currentphotograph. Both forms of identification must be valid andinclude your current name and signature. You will also berequired to sign a roster for verification of identity.

Acceptable forms of primary identification include a

current:1. drivers license with photograph

2. state identification card with photograph

3. passport

4. military identification card with photograph

Employment ID cards, student ID cards and any type oftemporary identification are NOT acceptable as primaryidentification, but may be used as secondary identificationif they include your name and signature.

You are prohibited from misrepresenting your identity

or falsifying information to obtain admission to theAssessment Center.

YOU MUST HAVE PROPER IDENTIFICATION TO GAINADMISSION TO THE ASSESSMENT CENTER.

After your identity has been confirmed, you willbe directed to a testing carrel. You will be instructedon-screen to enter your identification number. You willdigitally take your picture and it will remain on-screenthroughout your testing session. This photograph will also

print on your score report.SECURITYBCCTPC and AMP maintain examination administrationand security standards that are designed to assure thatall candidates are provided the same opportunity todemonstrate their abilities. The Assessment Center iscontinuously monitored by audio and video surveillanceequipment for security purposes.

The following security procedures apply during theexamination:

Examinations are proprietary. No cameras, notes, taperecorders, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), pagersor cellular phones are allowed in the testing room.

Only silent, non-programmable calculators withoutalpha keys or printing capabilities are allowed in thetesting room.

No guests, visitors or family members are allowed in thetesting room or reception areas.

No personal items, valuables , or weapons shouldbe brought to the Assessment Center. AMP is notresponsible for items left in the reception area.

PRACTICE EXA MINATIONPrior to attempting the timed examination, you will begiven the opportunity to practice taking an examination oncomputer. The time you use for this practice examinationis NOT counted as part of your examination time. Whenyou are comfortable with the computer testing process,you may quit the practice session and begin the timedexamination.

TIMED EX AMINATIONFollowing the practice examination, you will begin theactual examination. Instructions for taking the examinationare accessible on-screen once you begin the examination

The examination contains 135 questions (125 scored and10 nonscored pretest questions). Two and one-half hoursare allotted to complete the examination. The following isa sample of what the computer screen will look like whenyou are attempting the examination.

Which of the following terms describes a concept that emphasizes thecomprehensive management of patient care of a specific disease type?

vertically integrated patient care

co-operative care

point of care

patient focused careD.

C.

B.

A. *

Cover Help A >

Candidates

Picture

Here


13/18


14/18


15/18


Page 14


16/18

BCCTPCHandbook, page 15

BCCTPCExamination

REQUEST FOR SPECIAL

EXAMINATION ACCOMMODATIONS

If you have a disability covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, please complete this form and the Documentation ofDisability-Related Needs on the reverse side and submit it with your application at least 45 days prior to your requested

examination date. The information you provide and any documentation regarding your disability and your need for accommodation in

testing will be treated with strict confidentiality.

Candidate Information

Name (Last, First, Middle Initial, Former Name)

Mailing Address

City State Zip Code

Special Accommodations

I request special accommodations for the ___________________________________________________________________________ examination.

Please provide (check all that apply):

______ Reader

______ Extended examination time (time and a half)

______ Reduced distraction environment

______ Please specify below if other special accommodations are needed.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Comments: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Signed:_____________________________________________________________________ Date:______________________________

Return this form to: BCCTPC, 4835 Riveredge Cove, Snellville, GA 30039.


17/18

BCCTPCHandbook, page 16

BCCTPCExamination

DOCUMENTATION OF

DISABILITY-RELATED NEEDS

Please have this section completed by an appropriate professional (education professional, physician, psychologist,

psychiatrist) to ensure the appropriate examination accommodations are provided.

Professional Documentation

I have known _________________________________________________________________ since _____ / _____ / _____ in my capacity as aCandidate Name Date

_______________________________________________________________________. Professional Title

The candidate discussed with me the nature of the examination to be administered. It is my opinion that, because of this

candidates disability described below, he/she should be accommodated by providing the special arrangements listed on the

reverse side.

Description of Disability: ___________________________________________________________________________________________

Signed:______________________________________________________ Title:__________________________________

Printed Name: ________________________________________________________________________________________

Address: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Telephone Number: ____________________________________ E-mail Address: _____________________________________________

Date:________________________________________________ License # (if applicable): _____________________________________

Return this form to: BCCTPC, 4835 Riveredge Cove, Snellville, GA 30039.


18/18

bcc t pc handbook

Documents