Product Overview
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.
What is PHTLS?
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PHTLS is a trauma-care education program developed by NAEMT in cooperation with the American College of Surgeons’ Committee on Trauma. NAEMT+2NAEMT+2
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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
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PHTLS treats the multi-system trauma patient as a distinct entity and emphasizes integrating pathophysiology, mechanism of injury, and clinical judgment. NAEMT+1
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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
PHTLS Initial (Provider) Course
Duration & Format
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The standard initial PHTLS course is 16 hours, often spread over two consecutive days. CJCFPD+3NAEMT+3Trauma & Critical Care Education+3
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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
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Others may be fully in-person, with lectures, skills stations, case reviews, scenario simulations, and testing. NAEMT+3Cascade Training Solutions+3RWJBarnabas Health+3
Target Audience / Prerequisites
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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
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There’s generally no prerequisite besides completing any required pre-course assessments or reading materials. Trauma & Critical Care Education+2Cascade Training Solutions+2
Course Content & Topics
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
Certification & Validity
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After successful completion, participants receive a PHTLS Provider certificate / wallet card, valid for 4 years. NAEMT+2Trauma & Critical Care Education+2
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The certificate typically carries 16 hours of continuing education credit (CEU / EMS CE). Cascade Training Solutions+2NAEMT+2
PHTLS Renewal (Refresher) Course
Duration & Format
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The PHTLS Refresher (or Renewal) is typically an 8-hour course, offered in a single day. NAEMT+2Trauma & Critical Care Education+2
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The course is classroom-based and includes lecture review, updated materials, scenario practice, and evaluation. NAEMT+2CJCFPD+2
Eligibility & Prerequisites
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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
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Students often must bring their current wallet card or certificate to confirm eligibility. CJCFPD+1
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Some courses require completion of a pretest / assessment before attending. Trauma & Critical Care Education+2CJCFPD+2
Content & Focus
The refresher course emphasizes:
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Reviewing and updating core trauma principles
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Recognizing changes or updates in trauma care (new guidelines, evidence)
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Reinforcement of critical skills and decision pathways
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Scenario-based simulations to revalidate performance
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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.
Certification & Validity
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Upon successful completion, participants get a new PHTLS certificate / wallet card, again valid for 4 years. NAEMT+2Trauma & Critical Care Education+2
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The refresher often carries 8 hours of continuing education credit. NAEMT+1
Hybrid / Alternate Formats & Special Variants
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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
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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
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Combined / Basic + Advanced tracks: Some courses combine basic trauma principles with advanced modules in one provider course.
