Stay ahead by continuously learning and advancing your career. Learn More

Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS)

Practice Exam
Take Free Test

Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS)

Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) is a standard approach for managing trauma patients. The technique is developed by the American College of Surgeons (ACS). It provides healthcare professionals with a standardized protocol to follow for assessment, resuscitation, stabilization, and treatment of patients having life-threatening injuries. ATLS focuses on a primary and secondary survey, quick decision-making, and effective communication among trauma teams for better patient outcomes.

Certification in Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) verifies your ability to manage acute trauma cases as per the ATLS guidelines. It involves completing an ATLS course which includes theoretical instruction, skill stations, and a practical examination. Certification is valid for four years and must be renewed through re-certification courses to ensure continuous competency in trauma management.


Who should take the exam?

  • Emergency Physicians
  • Trauma Surgeons
  • Anesthesiologists
  • Orthopedic Surgeons
  • General Surgeons
  • Critical Care Specialists
  • Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs)
  • Paramedics
  • Physicians working in remote or rural areas
  • Resident Doctors in surgical and emergency medicine training

Course Outline

The Advanced Trauma Life Support exam covers the following topics :-

  • Initial Assessment and Trauma Management
  • Airway and Ventilation Management
  • Shock and Hemorrhage Control
  • Thoracic Trauma
  • Head and Spinal Trauma
  • Abdominal and Pelvic Trauma
  • Musculoskeletal Trauma
  • Pediatric and Geriatric Trauma
  • Burn and Environmental Injuries
  • Trauma Team Dynamics and Communication
  • Leadership in Trauma Resuscitation

    • Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) FAQs

    It enhances your qualifications for roles in emergency medicine, trauma surgery, critical care, and military healthcare operations.

    Yes, it aligns with global trauma care standards and is highly respected across hospitals and emergency services.

    Clinical understanding of anatomy, emergency protocols, and patient assessment methods are essential.

    Life-saving interventions like airway management, hemorrhage control, trauma triage, and team-based crisis management.

    Yes, although primarily designed for physicians, advanced care nurses and paramedics can benefit greatly.

    Absolutely – the structured trauma response is crucial in both battlefield and disaster environments.

    ATLS is more advanced, focusing on trauma rather than general emergencies, covering diagnosis, stabilization, and prioritization.

    Typically, it must be renewed every 4 years to ensure skills remain current.

    Yes, it's foundational for surgeons who regularly handle emergency trauma patients.

    It assesses both – through written tests and simulations involving trauma scenarios.