Features
About this course
Care of the Critically Unwell Patient is a dedicated course that focuses on specific aspects of managing acutely unwell patients in resus and ITU settings that are rarely covered in sufficient detail at medical school. The course is delivered by Make a Medic and is available completely free of charge.
This on-demand course comprises 32 lessons spanning 2 hours of video content, organised into seven core modules following the ABCDE approach to critical care assessment and management. The structure takes learners systematically through essential ICU competencies:
- Airway management, including tracheostomies
- Breathing support: oxygen therapy, CPAP/BiPAP, and invasive ventilation
- Circulation and shock management, including cardiovascular support strategies
- Disability assessment, reduced GCS, and sedation
- Exposure and critical investigations: haemodialysis, blood gas interpretation, lactate physiology, anion gap, and central lines
Each topic includes both detailed video lessons and accompanying quizzes to test understanding. The course also includes pre- and post-course assessments to help learners benchmark their knowledge before and after completing the material.
Reviews from IMT and FY doctors highlight that the course demystifies complex ICU concepts, simplifies traditionally daunting topics, and builds confidence for critical-care placements and on-calls. Learners report the course is particularly valuable for doctors with limited prior ITU exposure and helps them communicate more effectively with critical-care specialties.
