Frequently Asked Questions:

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What is it?

BASIC is a short course, usually held over 2 days, which covers essential and fundamental aspects of Intensive Care.

Who is it aimed at?

It is primarily designed as an introduction to Intensive Care for doctors coming to work in the ICU for the first time, but has also proved popular with senior ICU nurses, Emergency department doctors and other doctors who have responsibility for severely ill patients.

What is the format?

The format is similar to ACLS, ATLS and FCCS. The course consists of course manual, brief clinically-based lectures, skill stations, e-learning and pre- and post-course tests. The course works on a cascading model with local instructors delivering the content after appropriate training.

How much does it cost?

There are no license fees for running BASIC. Course material is supplied in an electronic format. Course manuals can be printed locally from the supplied pdf (colour printing is recommended) or supplied at cost (approximately US$3 per book plus shipping). Registration fees for candidates vary from course to course depending on venue costs and degree of subsidy.

Who can run and teach courses?

The course director must have attended a BASIC instructor course and we prefer it if most of the instructors have also attended a course. At least 50% of the instructors on any given course must be Intensive Care specialists (however that is defined in your country).

What topics are covered?

• airway management
• acute respiratory failure
• mechanical ventilation
  • basics
  • common modes
  • settings
  • troubleshooting
  • specific conditions
• haemodynamic monitoring
• management of shock
• severe sepsis
• interpretation of arterial blood gases
• transport of critically ill patients
• severe trauma
• neurological emergencies
• oliguria & acute renal failure
• cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• arrhythmias
• nutrition
• sedation and analgesia
• venous thromboembolic disease
• stress ulceration
• cardiovascular and respiratory physiology
• metabolic & electrolyte disturbances

How does it differ from FCCS?

BASIC is more focused on organ support and syndromes rather than specific diseases, does not charge license fees and makes greater use of graphics in slides and the course manual. For a more detailed analysis see Joynt GM et al, J Crit Care, 26:533.e1-533.e10.

Where has the course been run?

The course has been run in over 45 countries and approximately 200 courses are held each year.

Is the course endorsed?

The course has been endorsed by:

• Asia-Pacific Association of Critical Care Medicine
• College of Intensive Care Medicine of Australia & New Zealand
• Emirates Critical Care Society
• European Society of Intensive Care Medicine
• Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine
• International Pan-Arab Critical Care Society
• World Federation of Societies of Intensive & Critical Care Medicine

What are the conditions for running a course?

1. You acknowledge the source of the material.
2. The material is used for non-commercial purposes. We are happy for course organizers to make a small profit but all profits must be used for Intensive Care education or research
3. The course is registered with us and pre- and post-course MCQ answers are submitted to us online.
4. Courses must include 75% of the overall course material and 75% of the skill station material.
5. The number of candidates should not exceed 7 per skill station.

If you are interested in running a course please contact us for further details.

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