ACS ATLS

Course Overview

The Advanced Trauma Life Support® (ATLS®) course offers a structured, systematic approach to the early care of trauma patients, critical for guiding treatment in emergency trauma settings. Developed by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and its Committee on Trauma (COT), this course equips healthcare providers with a standardized framework that can save lives in high-stakes situations. Designed for physicians, emergency room PAs & NPs, and pre-hospital care providers, ATLS combines lectures with hands-on skill stations. Participants learn and practice the essential techniques needed to assess, manage, and stabilize critically injured patients, ensuring proficiency in life-saving procedures. The course addresses the complexities of trauma care, providing healthcare professionals with comprehensive knowledge and adaptable techniques that fit a variety of care environments. While the skills taught represent one safe method, the ACS acknowledges there are multiple valid approaches, ensuring flexibility in practice. For providers who rarely encounter trauma, ATLS offers a straightforward, easy-to-remember evaluation and treatment method. For those who frequently manage trauma, it serves as a framework for continued improvement in care, education, and quality assurance. Ultimately, ATLS is a reproducible, measurable system that enhances trauma care across diverse clinical settings.