FIRST IN LAST OUT MEDICAL RESPONSE CERTIFICATIONS 3322 COORS BLVD NW SUITE 4 ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87120 GERARDO REYES (505) 358-1197
PHTLS Prehospital Trauma Life Support Initial / Refreshers / Hybrid Courses at First In Last Out Medical Response Training Classes 3322 Coors Blvd NW Suite 4 Albuquerque, NM 87120.
PHTLS is a trauma-care education program developed by NAEMT in cooperation with the American College of Surgeons’ Committee on Trauma. NAEMT+2NAEMT+2
Its goal is to promote excellence in prehospital trauma patient management by focusing on critical thinking, decision making, and systematic assessment and intervention rather than rigid protocols. NAEMT
PHTLS treats the multi-system trauma patient as a distinct entity and emphasizes integrating pathophysiology, mechanism of injury, and clinical judgment. NAEMT+1
It's widely recognized (over 80 countries) and is accredited by CAPCE (Continuing Accreditation for Prehospital Continuing Education) and recognized by NREMT (National Registry of EMTs). NAEMT+2NAEMT+2
The standard initial PHTLS course is 16 hours, often spread over two consecutive days. CJCFPD+3NAEMT+3Trauma & Critical Care Education+3
Some courses adopt a hybrid format: part of the didactic (lecture / theory) portion is done online, followed by in-person skills, stations, and scenarios. NAEMT+2Trauma & Critical Care Education+2
Others may be fully in-person, with lectures, skills stations, case reviews, scenario simulations, and testing. NAEMT+3Cascade Training Solutions+3RWJBarnabas Health+3
It is intended for prehospital providers: EMTs, paramedics, nurses, physician assistants, physicians, and other health professionals who may deal with trauma in the field. RWJBarnabas Health+3Cascade Training Solutions+3NAEMT+3
There’s generally no prerequisite besides completing any required pre-course assessments or reading materials. Trauma & Critical Care Education+2Cascade Training Solutions+2
The PHTLS initial course addresses a broad spectrum of trauma care. Common topics include:
| Module / Domain | Key Content Areas |
|---|---|
| Mechanism & Kinematics | Understanding how forces cause injury, how to predict internal damage from external forces |
| Physiology / Pathophysiology | Shock, hemorrhage, vital signs, compensatory mechanisms |
| Scene Assessment & Safety | Scene size-up, mechanism of injury, extrication, triage |
| Patient Assessment | Primary and secondary surveys (e.g. head, spine, thorax, abdomen, extremities) |
| Airway / Breathing / Ventilation | Techniques for airway management, ventilation, oxygenation |
| Circulation & Hemorrhage Control | Fluid resuscitation, external bleeding control, shock management |
| Trauma to Specific Regions | Head, spine, thorax, abdomen, musculoskeletal injuries, pelvic trauma |
| Special Populations | Pediatric trauma, geriatric trauma, burns, environmental injuries |
| Transport / Triage / Destination Decisions | When and where to transport, balancing “on-scene time” vs rapid transport |
| Scenario / Simulation Practice | Case presentations, team simulations, hands-on stations to integrate learning |
Participants practice skills in stations, work through simulated scenarios, and are tested on both written (knowledge) and practical (skills / scenario) performance. Cascade Training Solutions+2Trauma & Critical Care Education+2
After successful completion, participants receive a PHTLS Provider certificate / wallet card, valid for 4 years. NAEMT+2Trauma & Critical Care Education+2
The certificate typically carries 16 hours of continuing education credit (CEU / EMS CE). Cascade Training Solutions+2NAEMT+2
The PHTLS Refresher (or Renewal) is typically an 8-hour course, offered in a single day. NAEMT+2Trauma & Critical Care Education+2
The course is classroom-based and includes lecture review, updated materials, scenario practice, and evaluation. NAEMT+2CJCFPD+2
To enroll in the refresher, one must already have a current PHTLS Provider certificate (i.e. within the 4-year validity period). NAEMT+2Trauma & Critical Care Education+2
Students often must bring their current wallet card or certificate to confirm eligibility. CJCFPD+1
Some courses require completion of a pretest / assessment before attending. Trauma & Critical Care Education+2CJCFPD+2
The refresher course emphasizes:
Reviewing and updating core trauma principles
Recognizing changes or updates in trauma care (new guidelines, evidence)
Reinforcement of critical skills and decision pathways
Scenario-based simulations to revalidate performance
Ensuring participants remain current with best practices in trauma care
Because it's a refresher, it does not cover the entire scope from the initial course, but focuses on key, essential content and decision-making.
Upon successful completion, participants get a new PHTLS certificate / wallet card, again valid for 4 years. NAEMT+2Trauma & Critical Care Education+2
The refresher often carries 8 hours of continuing education credit. NAEMT+1
Hybrid / Blended PHTLS: Some providers split the didactic content into an online module, followed by in-person sessions for skills and scenarios (typically ~8 hours in person + ~8 hours online). Trauma & Critical Care Education+2NAEMT+2
PHTLS-FR (First Responders): A version tailored for first responders (EMR, firefighters, law enforcement) that is 8 hours and focuses on essential trauma interventions relevant to their scope. NAEMT
Combined / Basic + Advanced tracks: Some courses combine basic trauma principles with advanced modules in one provider course.
National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians NAEMT
American Heart Association AHA
