About the Course

Everything you need to know — format, aims, and who it's designed for.

What does CARE stand for?

Core Assessment Revision & Education

CARE is an acronym — and it captures exactly what this course is about. We designed it to provide core knowledge in critical care, support assessment of that knowledge, offer revision of the fundamentals, and deliver high-quality education across the multidisciplinary team.


Course Foreword

"Critical illness challenges our existence as patients, our courage as relatives, and our capacities as clinicians."

Professor Julian Bion OBE FRCP FRCA FFICM MD — Professor of Intensive Care Medicine, University of Birmingham; Foundation Dean of the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine 2010–13

Read the full foreword →

Summary

A purpose-written and regularly updated course manual replaces traditional lectures. It is crucial to read this manual before attending the course — it serves as an introduction to the fundamental knowledge and forms the basis for discussions that will be further developed in the workshops.

We recommend setting aside one full day for private study and preparation to make the most of this material. The subsequent one-day face-to-face course primarily comprises small, interactive group workshops led by experienced critical care practitioners.

The course manual is provided exclusively to registered course attendees. Find out more about the manual →


Who is it aimed at?

Throughout the course, our main focus has been to help you understand the fundamental aspects of critical care relevant to UK practice. The course is designed to be equally beneficial for nursing staff, medical staff, critical care practitioners, and other allied healthcare specialists — including physiotherapists and occupational therapists — involved in the care of critically ill patients.

In the workshop sessions, you will benefit from the advantages of a collaborative learning approach that promotes interaction among these groups who work together within intensive care units.

Medical Staff

Ideal for core trainees with an interest in critical care, early specialist trainees consolidating their knowledge, or foundation doctors wanting to challenge themselves further.

Nursing Staff

Provides essential knowledge and understanding necessary for taking on higher levels of responsibility within critical care and advancing career paths.

Critical Care Practitioners

Valuable for promoting high standards in the care delivered and for supporting ongoing professional development within the ICU.

Allied Health Professionals

Physiotherapists, OTs, and other specialists who work alongside the ICU team benefit from the broader critical care context the course provides.


Course aims

Stepping into a critical care unit for the first time as a healthcare provider is an unparalleled experience. The atmosphere is charged with high-tech equipment, and the most critically ill patients in the hospital are cared for by a diverse multidisciplinary team. The blend of technology, teamwork, and tension creates an exhilarating — yet initially overwhelming — environment.

This course aims to complement existing educational opportunities and provide a solid knowledge foundation, contextualising what is learned in clinical practice. It empowers individuals within critical care to progress from early stages to becoming confident, key decision-makers within the team.

While newcomers to critical care might find the course quite detailed, and those preparing for the FICM exam may consider it to lack sufficient depth, it is tailored to help everyone in between acquire knowledge and build confidence in their work.


What you receive

Upon completing the course, you will receive a certificate of attendance for your continuing professional development records. This certification does not confirm competence in the described skills, but we are confident it will reflect your increased knowledge and understanding — making this a rewarding and enlightening experience.


Payment Terms & Conditions

Bookings are made via our external booking partner, Sympozium. All payment terms and conditions are managed through the booking portal. Please review these carefully at the time of booking.

View booking and payment details →

Quick facts
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1-day course
Plus pre-course study
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Small groups
Interactive workshops
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CPD Certificate
Certificate of attendance issued
ICS Endorsed
Intensive Care Society
Book a Place → About the Manual
In their words
Included with every place

The Course Manual

A comprehensive, purpose-written resource developed by leading critical care clinicians. Provided exclusively to registered course attendees, it forms the essential foundation for your learning — both before and on the day.

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Written by expert clinicians
Each chapter authored and reviewed by specialists with hands-on experience in UK critical care practice.
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Regularly revised
Updated ahead of each course to reflect current evidence, guidelines, and best practice.
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Exclusive to course attendees
Access is provided when you register. The manual is not publicly available — another reason to book early.
What's covered
Decision making in critical care Initial patient assessment Airway management Oxygen delivery & respiratory pathophysiology Respiratory support Cardiovascular pathophysiology Neuropathophysiology Acute kidney injury & renal replacement Nutrition & GI tract Patient transfer Human factors Delirium in the critically ill Rehabilitation in the ICU ...and much more
Book a Place to Gain Access →
A glimpse inside

Sample pages from the course manual. Full access provided on registration.

Ready to get started?

Secure your place and gain access to the course manual ahead of the day.

Book a Place → Get in Touch