What is ATLS and How Does It Help Save Lives?
ATLS (Advanced Trauma Life Support) is an internationally recognized course that trains medical professionals to manage acute trauma cases using a proven protocol known as ABCDE.
π€ What is the ATLS Protocol?
The ATLS protocol is a step-by-step assessment used in emergency trauma care to rapidly identify and manage life-threatening conditions.
π©Ί ABCDE Breakdown:
- A β Airway: Clear and protect the airway with cervical spine control.
- B β Breathing: Assess and support breathing with O2 or ventilation.
- C β Circulation: Control bleeding, restore perfusion.
- D β Disability: Brief neuro exam for mental status and pupil reactivity.
- E β Exposure: Fully expose the patient while preventing hypothermia.
π°οΈ A Brief History of ATLS
ATLS was developed in 1978 by Dr. James Styner, an orthopedic surgeon, after his family was involved in a plane crash. Realizing the rural hospital they were taken to lacked trauma training, he partnered with the American College of Surgeons (ACS) to create the ATLS system.
Since then, ATLS has become the global standard for trauma education.
π How Long is ATLS Certification Valid?
Once earned, your ATLS certificate is valid forΒ 4 yearsΒ (in most regions β check your local provider).
Youβll be required toΒ retake the course or complete a refresherΒ to maintain active certification.
π Need help renewing? Take our refresher-ready prep course β
πͺͺ What Does an ATLS Certificate Look Like?
ATLS certificates are issued directly by your training center or ACS partner site. They include:
- Your name and ID
- Course completion date
- Validity period
- Training center info
π Want to get certified? Start with practice questions and expert guidance:Β β
Start the ATLS Prep Course
ABCDE Trauma Protocol
ο»ΏThe ABCDE Protocol is the foundation of ATLS (Advanced Trauma Life Support) and helps trauma professionals assess and manage critically injured patients in a structured, life-saving order.Β Each step β Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, and Exposure β must be followed systematically to prevent missed injuries and ensure patient survival. In our ATLS course, we emphasize not only memorizing the ABCDE sequence but applying it under pressure, just like youβll face on exam day and in the trauma bay.Β Learn how to master the ABCDE protocol β
ATLS Test Prep Course
ATLS Exam Prep: Master the ABCDE Trauma Protocol
Get certified with confidence. Practice real trauma scenarios, review core ATLS principles, and prep with expert guidance β available in English.
π§ββοΈ Who Needs ATLS Certification?
ATLS is ideal for:
- Emergency medicine physicians
- Trauma surgeons
- Anesthesiologists
- Prehospital providers (depending on country)
- Nurses and paramedics (in some programs)
β FAQ Section
What does ATLS stand for?
ATLS meansΒ Advanced Trauma Life Support, a course for managing critical trauma cases.
Is ATLS mandatory?
In many hospitals and trauma centers, yes β especially for ER physicians and trauma surgeons.
Can I take ATLS online?
Some regions offer a hybrid model with online modules + in-person skills. Check your local provider.
Does ATLS expire?
Yes. Most certificates expire after 4 years.
Where can I take ATLS?
Through an ACS-affiliated training center. Use their directory at facs.org
Written by Dr. Mark R. Lawson, MD
Trauma Surgery Resident | ATLS Certified | Passionate about Emergency Medicine
Credentials:
- MD β University of Maryland School of Medicine
- PGY-3 Trauma Surgery Resident β Shock Trauma Center, Baltimore
- ATLS Certified
- Contributor to med student review sessions & trauma simulations
- Advocates for smarter trauma prep tools for busy residents
Other blogs:
- Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS): The Definitive Guide [2025] β
- How long does ATLS last? β