Prehospital Trauma Life Support
(PHTLS)

The latest edition of NAEMT’s Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) program is designed to equip EMS providers and other prehospital professionals with the knowledge and skills to manage trauma patients effectively before they reach the hospital.

The course emphasizes evidence-based trauma care and focuses on improving patient outcomes through rapid assessment, critical thinking, and timely interventions. PHTLS training highlights the continuum of care through different phases of the prehospital environment:

Scene Assessment and Safety: Identifying potential hazards, ensuring provider and patient safety, and determining the mechanism of injury.
Primary Assessment: Rapidly evaluating life-threatening conditions such as airway compromise, breathing difficulties, and severe bleeding.
Secondary Assessment and Ongoing Care: Conducting detailed evaluations, providing continued monitoring, and preparing for safe transport to definitive care.

oval or transport of patients away from the incident area to a secure location.

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Provider Course

16-hour course for EMTs, paramedics, nurses, physician assistants, physicians and other prehospital providers. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive a certificate of completion, a wallet card recognizing them as PHTLS providers for 4 years, and 16 hours of CAPCE credit.

Refresher Course

8-hour classroom course for individuals who have successfully completed the 16 hour PHTLS provider course within the past four years. Current PHTLS provider certificate or wallet card required. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive a certificate of completion and 8 hours of CAPCE credit.

First Responder

PHTLS for First Responders (PHTLS-FR)is an 8-hour classroom course that takes the world-class trauma care content from the 10th edition of PHTLS and delivers it in a style that is relevant to and accessible by first responders, including emergency medical responders (EMR), firefighters, rescue personnel and law enforcement officers. Covering life-saving interventions such as hemorrhage control and airway management, this course teaches critical trauma concepts, demonstrates skills, and walks students through potential patient scenarios. Course materials include a student manual, providing students with access to these important concepts long after the course is over. Upon successful completion of this course, students receive a certificate of completion, a wallet card good for 4 years and 8 hours of CAPCE credit.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is PHTLS?

Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) is an internationally recognized trauma education program focused on the rapid assessment and treatment of trauma patients in prehospital settings.

Who should take PHTLS?

PHTLS is designed for EMS personnel, paramedics, EMTs, nurses, firefighters, military personnel, and other healthcare providers involved in trauma care.

What topics are covered?

Topics may include:

Trauma patient assessment
Hemorrhage control
Airway management
Shock recognition
Rapid trauma interventions
Patient stabilization
Trauma team communication

Does PHTLS include hands-on training?

Yes. Students participate in practical skills stations, trauma simulations, and patient care scenarios.

Is the course scenario-based?

Yes. PHTLS uses realistic trauma scenarios to improve critical thinking and decision-making during emergencies.

Why is PHTLS important?

PHTLS helps providers improve trauma patient outcomes through rapid assessment, effective treatment, and organized trauma care principles.

Is prior medical experience required?

Yes. PHTLS is intended for healthcare professionals and emergency responders with medical training or patient care experience.

Do students receive certification?

Yes. Students who successfully complete the course receive PHTLS course completion documentation.

What skills are taught?

Students may learn:

Tourniquet application
Airway management
Spinal motion restriction
Trauma assessment
Bleeding control
Patient packaging and transport considerations

How long is the course?

Course length may vary depending on provider level and training format but typically includes classroom instruction, hands-on practice, and skills testing.

What should students wear?

Students should wear comfortable clothing suitable for hands-on practical training and trauma scenarios.

Does PHTLS follow current trauma guidelines?

Yes. PHTLS training is based on evidence-informed trauma care principles and current prehospital trauma management practices.