Critical Bytes - The Crashing Patient

Course Overview

When a critically ill patient deteriorates further, how do you prioritise care and guide decision-making to optimise outcomes?

In this Critical Bytes session, our panel of experts will follow the complex journey of a critically ill patient who experiences an unplanned ICU admission following postoperative complications. This practical, case-based discussion will explore how to navigate the minefield of supportive therapies, clinical set-backs, and crisis events with a focus on interpreting and using assessment data to drive management decisions.

Designed for critical care clinicians, this session will strengthen your confidence in real-world crisis management, therapy escalation, and recognising when to tweak or change your approach to improve outcomes.

Session Outline

• Prioritisation of care in the deteriorating patient
• Optimising oxygenation and perfusion during crisis events
• Risk management for critically ill patients undergoing transfer to CT
• Recognition and management of multiple organ dysfunction
• Initiating and adjusting inotropic support
• Early considerations for renal replacement therapy (CRRT)
• Mechanical ventilation strategies in unstable patients
• Initiating a massive transfusion protocol (MTP) in critical care
  
  

Why you should attend

This session goes beyond textbook algorithms to address the nuanced decision-making needed when a critically ill patient faces complications. You’ll learn how to:

• Recognise subtle signs of deterioration early
• Tailor supportive therapies in real time
• Minimise risks during patient transfers and imaging
• Coordinate team responses during rapid clinical changes
• Improve confidence in managing crisis events in ICU
  
  

Whether you’re an experienced ICU nurse, critical care doctor, or a clinician building your crisis management skills, this session offers practical insights you can apply immediately.