The UW Health Critical Care Transport (CCT) Education is a multidisciplinary team comprised of nurses, respiratory therapists, physicians, communication specialists, and program leadership. We are committed to providing quality education curriculum that satisfies the education requirements set forth by UW Health policy, and the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS). These requirements are satisfied with a multi-faceted approach utilizing didactic education, computer-based training, simulation, and clinical experiences.

Elements of Competence

This continuing education (CE) activity has been designed to change learner competence and performance, and focuses on the following competencies:

• Patient care and procedural skills
• Practice-based learning and improvement
• Interpersonal and communication skills
• Systems-based practice

• Communication
• Roles/responsibilities
• Teams/teamwork

Intended Audience

This activity is designed for physicians and nurses practicing in the critical care transport environment. 

Learning Objectives

Lecture: Basics of Chest Trauma

By participating in these activities the EMCCT team and its members will be able to:

1. Differentiate the major etiologies, anatomic structures, and pathophysiologic mechanisms involved in blunt and penetrating chest trauma using clinical case examples.
2. Apply evidence‑based interventions for life‑threatening thoracic injuries—including airway stabilization, ventilation strategies, and hemorrhage control—in simulated or real‑world scenarios.
3. Evaluate transport considerations for chest‑injured patients by identifying risks, required monitoring, and criteria for destination decision‑making during prehospital or interfacility transfer.

Skills Lab: Chest Tube Insertion/Thoracotomy

By participating in these activities the EMCCT team and its members will be able to:

1. Identify indications, contraindications, and anatomic landmarks for chest tube insertion and emergency thoracotomy with ≥90% accuracy on written or scenario‑based assessment.
2. Demonstrate correct preparation, equipment selection, and procedural sequencing for chest tube placement—including sterile technique, incision site selection, and tube advancement—during simulation to established performance criteria.
3. Evaluate post‑procedure complications (e.g., persistent pneumothorax, malposition, hemorrhage) and implement appropriate EMS management steps during case‑based scenarios or high‑fidelity simulation.