Advanced Trauma Life Support Program

The Advanced Trauma Life Support® (ATLS®) program can teach you a systematic, concise approach to the care of a trauma patient. ATLS was developed by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Committee on Trauma (COT) and was first introduced in the US 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 him or her, and determine if his or her 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.

Course details

Program Overview

NGMC teaches ATLS® in a two day format, utilizing simulation and covering the following topics:

  • Overview of ATLS® Course
  • Initial Assessment and Management
  • Airway and Ventilatory Management
  • Skill Stations – Basic & Advanced Airway Skill Stations and Pediatric Airway & Cricothyrotomy Skill Station
  • Shock
  • Thoracic Trauma
  • Abdominal and Pelvic Trauma
  • Pretest Review
  • Spine and Spinal Cord Trauma
  • Musculoskeletal Trauma
  • Skill Stations – Breathing and Circulation
  • Head Trauma
  • Pediatric Trauma
  • Geriatric Trauma
  • Trauma in Pregnancy and Intimate Partner Violence
  • Thermal Injuries
  • Skill Stations – Disability and Adjuncts
  • Transfer to Definitive Care
  • Skill Stations – Initial Assessment & Team Training and Secondary Survey
  • Triage Scenarios
  • Written Posttest
  • Initial Assessment Practice & Testing
What to expect in an ATLS Course

NGMC offers ATLS provider courses at least twice per year. All ATLS courses are taught using an educational format that is conducive to training the concepts, skills, and techniques required in initial patient resuscitation.

The course encompasses multiple modalities, including core didactic lectures, interactive skills demonstrations, small group discussions, simulation techniques and practical skills tests. We do NOT use cadavers or live anesthetized animals for our skills training.

Program Objectives
  1. Demonstrate the concepts and principles of the primary and secondary patient assessment
  2. Establish management priorities in a trauma situation
  3. Initiate primary and secondary management necessary within the golden hour for the emergency management of acute-life threatening conditions
  4. In a given simulated clinical and surgical skills practicum, demonstrate the following skills, which are often required in the initial assessment and treatment of patient with multiple injuries
Continuing Education Information

The American College of Surgeons is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for licensed, practicing physicians.

AMA PRA Category 1 Credits
The American College of Surgeons designates this live activity for a maximum of 16 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Of the AMA PRA Category 1 Credits listed above, a maximum of 16 credits meet the requirements for Self-Assessment.

Of the AMA PRA Category 1 Credits listed above, a maximum of 16 credits meet the requirements for Trauma.

Course Completion Requirements

Successful completion of the course is based on the participants overall performance throughout the entire course. Recognition of successful course completion is-contingent on the following requirements:

  • Attendance at the entire course (all lectures, skill stations and testing stations)
  • Demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in accordance with course requirements
  • Completion of hands-on initial assessment scenario demonstrating knowledge and proficiency
  • Post written examination of 75% or greater
Course Fee

The fee for this course includes a 10th edition ATLS manual, breakfast, lunch, and snacks on both days.

Cancellation Policy

We do not give refunds for cancellations. We do allow substitutions if ample time is given to let the substitution study, as decided by the course director/coordinator. Please contact Monica White to make a substitution.

Upcoming courses

Please click here to learn more about when and where this course is offered. If you have any questions, please email Monica White or call 770-219-7321.

ADA Statement

In accordance with the Americans with disabilities act, please advise the Course Coordinator or Director if you have any disability that requires special materials and/or services so that appropriate resources can be provided.