ATLS vs PHTLS

[Sneaky SF Dude]

My take - any training you can get, you should go to. I've never been to a course that I didn't learn something.

[RIT_MEDIC]

When I took ATLS the first time I was greatly out of my depth. I did learn above my level of certification and continue to strive for that.

I will say taking ALTS as a street medic left me a bit dissatisfied with my scope of practice. I saw procedures I thought we should be able to do in the field, but given the skill level of alot of my co-workers I am glad we dont. I learned about thorocotomies, thorocostomies, crics (which we can do now, but not then), pericardialcentesis, lavage, etc. The biggest thing I took from the class was a greater understanding of MOI and how much a small force can effect ABC's and the ability of the body to compensate. PHTLS touches on kinematics, but ATLS is much more indepth.

Do not get me wrong here; PHTLS is a great class. I take it every 2 years. It is a part of my IST (In-Service Training) curriculum.

Its all about that 1st hour.

James D.

[swedeglocker]

I wonder if any of the above courses is taught in USA. If not, why?

BATLS= Battlefield Advanced Trauma Life Support
BARTS= Battlefield Advanced Resuscitation Techniques and Skills

Have anyone attented CTLS in UK?
CTLS= Combat Trauma Life Support Course

[SHYTE]

I've taken BTLS courses but have found each of them to be fulfilling and rewarding. Unfortunately I can't take a lot of EMS courses because of time restrictions. I have a much greater need fo keeping up technical rescue certification so those are pretty much the only courses I take. I've found that keeping up with current EMS journals and books are a tremendous way to stay on top of the game. I just finished Bledsoe's 5 paramedic book series and it was a great refresher.

[offpiste]

I think the navy used to teach a course call ATCLS-Advanced Trauma combat life support. One of my old partners who was a corpsman took said good things. It was close to a 40hr course. I also take PHTLS as part of my continuing education. If you read the book it is a lot better than the course. I think it would be a killer course if it was taught over 40hrs. but that would cost our employeers too much wouldn't. (sorry to sound disgruntled got hammered last night on 24hr shift )
kary

[krader]

I am taking PHTLS this weekend and I know there is a pre-test but don't know anything about it. Is it practical and written? I am still working my way through the book and I know I will not get it read in completely by class time, but will have alot of it done. Alot (though not all) of this I have a good understanding of from working ER/Amb just short of the last 2 years. Some of it is over my head since I am not a paramedic so it is a great learning experience to read up on that stuff. Are there any chapters those of you that have taken the course think I should go through withthe fine toothed comb to get the most from the class? Just looking for any tips those of you that have taken it might have.

Thanks for your time.

Krader

[offpiste]

Where I took PHTLS , the test were fairly simple. We took the written first thing and a skills evaluation. They then gave us our written scores and the results of the skills. Then they proceeded to teach the class and on closing they gave us the same written and another skills evaluation. If you already have your book the CD-Rom has some questions on it, some of which appear on the NR-Paramedic exam.
enjoy
kary

[mac3982]

had them both an found that i walked away from the classes with a little more knowledge... the more info i can take in the more i can bring to the table...

[rakkasan187]

Originally posted by RIT_MEDIC
When I took ATLS the first time I was greatly out of my depth. I did learn above my level of certification and continue to strive for that.

I will say taking ALTS as a street medic left me a bit dissatisfied with my scope of practice. I saw procedures I thought we should be able to do in the field, but given the skill level of alot of my co-workers I am glad we dont. I learned about thorocotomies, thorocostomies, crics (which we can do now, but not then), pericardialcentesis, lavage, etc. The biggest thing I took from the class was a greater understanding of MOI and how much a small force can effect ABC's and the ability of the body to compensate. PHTLS touches on kinematics, but ATLS is much more indepth.

Do not get me wrong here; PHTLS is a great class. I take it every 2 years. It is a part of my IST (In-Service Training) curriculum.

Its all about that 1st hour.

James D.

James,

When you did ATLS did you get to do the tissue lab? I'm trying to get hooked up with an ATLS course but it's looking like I will only be able to audit the didactic portion...as the lab is only for physicians...

take care,

rak

[RIT_MEDIC]

Originally posted by rakkasan187
James,

When you did ATLS did you get to do the tissue lab? I'm trying to get hooked up with an ATLS course but it's looking like I will only be able to audit the didactic portion...as the lab is only for physicians...

take care,

rak

Yes I did, most of it anyways. But I worked in the ER with the Surgeons who were teaching the class and I had to do a bit of ass kissing. I have not been to the tissue lab since that one though.

How are things with the job search going BTW?

[rakkasan187]

Excellent. I have heard that is a great experience.

PM inbound.