This is a course designed for Foundation or junior ST grade doctors who have started or are due to start working on an intensive care unit.

The course provides practical, hands-on experience, making these doctors capable and proficient in the basic requirements of junior doctors in the day-to-day running of an intensive care unit both during the day and at night.  It will also teach them the skills and knowledge they will require to manage emergency situations prior to the arrival of senior help.

The practical experience gleaned from the course is supplemented by podcasts and online learning material which may be accessed as a course member, providing more of the theoretical knowledge which will be useful on topics such as sepsis.  Links are provided to useful documents for additional reading.  This online component of the course frees-up time on the course which may be better spent attaining practical skills taught by local experts and is an evidence based method of maximising learning opportunities.

The course therefore comprises of a pre-course theoretical phase which is conducted online mainly through the use of lecture podcasts and checklists, and a one day simulation phase to hone the skills of junior doctors. A post course exam tests all aspects learnt from both phases.

In summary the course focuses on the requirements and duties of junior doctors who are new to intensive care. It arms them with the practical skills required on a day-to-day basis and teaches them a pragmatic approach to critical events, which they may need to manage prior to the arrival of senior help.