ADVANCED TRAUMA LIFE SUPPORT
ATLS was developed by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Committee on Trauma (COT) and was first introduced in the U.S. and abroad in 1980. Its courses provide you with a safe and reliable method for immediate management of injured patients. The course teaches you how to assess a patient’s condition, resuscitate and stabilize the patient, and determine if the patient’s needs exceed a facility’s capacity. It also covers how to arrange for a patient’s inter-hospital transfer and assure that optimum care is provided throughout the process.
If you don’t treat trauma patients frequently, an ATLS course provides an easy method to remember for evaluation and treatment of a trauma victim.
Objectives of the course:
- Assess the patient’s condition rapidly and accurately
- Resuscitate and stabilize the patient according to priority
- Determine if the patient’s needs exceed a facility’s capabilities
- Arrange appropriately for the patient’s definitive care
- Ensure that optimum care is provided
Benefits of the course:
- An organized approach for evaluation and management of seriously injured patients
- A foundation of common knowledge for all members of the trauma team
- Applicable in both large urban centers and small rural emergency departments
- One safe, reliable method for assessing and initially managing the trauma patient
- Revised every four years to keep abreast of changes
Different versions of this course content are delivered to meet the needs of each audience.
Hybrid Student Course:
- Teaches medical core content in an interactive format
- Hands-on skills sessions in simulated trauma settings
- Successful completion status valid for four years from course date
- Content overview, triage scenarios, and written and practical tests included
- Required pre-course work assigned prior to attending in-person course
- Textbook provided for learners
Student Refresher Course:
- Provides doctors the opportunity to maintain current status
- Half-day or one-day course format
- Content overview, triage scenarios, and written and practical tests included
- Required pre-test, option review of modules prior to attending in-person course
- Textbook provided for learners
This is a CME-eligible program. Please visit https://www.facs.org/quality-programs/trauma/education/advanced-trauma-life-support/atls-program-and-courses/?page=1for information on how to receive credit.
For more information about the course, visit https://www.facs.org/quality-programs/trauma/education/advanced-trauma-life-support/?page=1.
For more information about courses offered at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital, email CCTItraining@wvumedicine.org.