Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS): Recognition and Prehospital Management
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening condition characterized by fluid accumulation and inflammation in the lungs, leading to severe respiratory failure. For EMS professionals, early recognition, supportive care, and proper airway management can significantly impact patient outcomes.
This course provides EMTs and paramedics with a clear, field-oriented understanding of ARDS—from causes and pathophysiology to assessment, airway management, and transport considerations. Written for all levels of prehospital providers, this program translates complex medical concepts into practical, scene-ready knowledge.
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Objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Define acute respiratory distress syndrome and explain how it differs from other causes of respiratory failure.
- Identify the common causes and risk factors of ARDS.
- Recognize the signs and symptoms of ARDS in the prehospital setting.
- Describe appropriate airway management and ventilation strategies for ARDS patients.
- Demonstrate understanding of transport priorities and infection control measures when managing ARDS in the field.
Curriculum
Chapter 1: Understanding ARDS
- Historical perspective, epidemiology, and relevance to EMS
- Comparison with other respiratory emergencies (COPD, CHF, asthma)
- Pathological overview simplified for EMT/Paramedic context
Chapter 2: Pathophysiology and Causes
- Detailed mechanisms of inflammation, alveolar damage, and gas exchange failure
- Breakdown of causative factors (trauma, sepsis, aspiration, etc.)
- Pediatric and geriatric variations
- Risk factor analysis and how they alter field presentation
Chapter 3: Recognition, Assessment, and Field Management
- Step-by-step patient assessment (ABCDE + SAMPLE/OPQRST)
- Differentiating ARDS from other respiratory emergencies
- Oxygenation, CPAP/BiPAP, airway management, RSI considerations
- Common pitfalls and errors in field management
- Communication and team dynamics during critical transport
Chapter 4: Special Considerations and Transport
- High-altitude, drowning, trauma, and infectious causes
- Pediatric and obstetric ARDS considerations
- Interfacility transport and coordination with receiving hospitals
- EMS infection control practices for ARDS/viral pneumonia
- Case study examples for clinical application
- References
Price: $12.00
Contact Hour: 1
Course Author
Brad Moore
Brad Moore is a dedicated public safety professional with over 18 years of service in emergency response. He has been a firefighter since 2021 and became a licensed paramedic in 2023, providing critical care in high-pressure situations. Before transitioning to Fire and EMS, Brad served for 12 years as a police officer, where he developed strong skills in leadership, crisis management, public safety, and community service. He is also a licensed EMS Instructor through the Texas Department of State Health Services, further extending his expertise in training and education for emergency responders. His diverse background reflects a lifelong commitment to protecting and serving others.
In addition to his frontline experience, Brad is the author and coordinator of all of our EMS continuing education courses, ensuring the highest standards of training and professional development for his fellow first responders. His combined experience in practice and education underscores his dedication to advancing excellence in emergency services.