CICM First Part study plan

Map the general intensive care syllabus into a one-page checklist of core topics and mark your baseline confidence for each

Explain the physiology of oxygen delivery and consumption, and apply it to a written case of septic shock

Interpret arterial blood gases systematically, including mixed and metabolic acid-base disorders, on 15 self-written problems

Summarise the initial assessment and resuscitation priorities for the critically unwell adult in your own words

Describe the pharmacology, indications and adverse effects of the main vasoactive and sedative agents used in intensive care

Outline ventilator modes and the physiological rationale for lung-protective ventilation

Explain the recognition and early management of acute kidney injury and renal replacement therapy in critical illness

Compare the presentation and initial management of the main shock states

Explain the principles of sepsis recognition and antimicrobial timing in the critically ill adult

Describe the physiological differences between neonates, infants and adults that alter resuscitation and drug dosing

Outline the assessment and management of the child with respiratory distress and impending respiratory failure

Summarise the approach to fluid and electrolyte management in the critically ill child

Describe the recognition and management of shock in children, including fluid and inotrope strategies

Explain the principles of paediatric airway assessment and the difficult paediatric airway

Outline the assessment of the child with altered conscious state, including seizure and raised intracranial pressure

Interpret common paediatric intensive care monitoring data, including capnography and invasive pressures

Explain the physiological basis of paediatric ventilation strategies and the complications of mechanical ventilation in children

Describe the pharmacology of induction agents, neuromuscular blockers and local anaesthetics relevant to the perioperative period

Outline the pre-operative assessment and optimisation of a patient with significant comorbidity

Explain the principles of acute pain assessment and multimodal analgesia

Describe the recognition and management of the main anaesthetic emergencies, including anaphylaxis, malignant hyperthermia and local anaesthetic toxicity

Explain the principles of airway management and the failed intubation drill

Outline the physiology of regional anaesthesia and the recognition of complications of central neuraxial blockade

Summarise the assessment and management of acute postoperative pain and the principles of patient-controlled analgesia

Explain the pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of acute coronary syndromes and acute heart failure

Outline the recognition and management of the main endocrine emergencies, including diabetic ketoacidosis and thyroid storm

Describe the approach to the patient with acute liver failure or decompensated chronic liver disease

Summarise the diagnosis and treatment of common acute haematological emergencies, including neutropenic sepsis and thrombotic microangiopathy

Integrate all four domains by working through 60 self-written mixed-format questions under timed conditions

Review and rewrite the notes for your weakest five areas identified in week 4

Rehearse structured verbal answers to four unseen clinical scenarios, one per domain

Consolidate high-yield facts into a single revision sheet for the final week