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Compare ITLS

March 15, 2016 Written by

ITLS is the smart choice for your trauma training because it’s:


  • Practical. ITLS trains you in a realistic, hands-on approach proven to work in the field—from scene to surgery.
  • Dynamic. ITLS content is current, relevant, and responsive to the latest thinking in trauma management.
  • Flexible. ITLS courses are taught through a strong network of chapters and training centres that customize content to reflect local needs and priorities.
  • Team centered. ITLS emphasizes a cohesive team approach that works in the real world and recognizes the importance of your role.
  • Grounded in emergency medicine. Practicing emergency physicians—medicine’s frontline responders—lead ITLS efforts to deliver stimulating content based on solid emergency medicine.
  • Challenging. ITLS course content raises the bar on performance in the field by integrating classroom knowledge with practical application of skills.

What Sets ITLS Apart from the Competition?

ITLS and PHTLS, the two most internationally recognized pre-hospital trauma training programs, have both published manuals used for training. Here’s what sets ITLS apart:

Course Foundation

  • Patient assessment algorithm used as the foundational methodology for the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Standard Curriculum, taught in paramedic, AEMT, EMT and first responder programs
  • Endorsed by the American College of Emergency Physicians
  • Primary Survey utilizes the CABC approach (Control life-threatening bleeding, Airway, Breathing, Circulation) to emphasize immediate bleeding control if present
  • Core and supplemental content that allows for customization to address regional and educational needs
  • Dedicated Pediatric, Military and Access (vehicle extrication) certification courses
  • Online solution for didactic portion of the Provider course for flexibility and accessibility
  • Professional development modules for Instructors to enhance their teaching and evaluation skills to ensure objective and consistent evaluations
  • Continually updated “Current Thinking” section of ITRAUMA.org to reflect recent trauma topics and recommendations as reviewed and evaluated by the Editorial Board
  • Expanded online resources offered by Pearson Education

8th Edition Textbook

  • Critical evidence-based, focused text that emphasizes the critical aspects of trauma care and minimizes the “nice-to-know” information
  • Each core chapter followed with a patient management skills chapter to reinforce critical skills and appeal to different learning styles
  • Capnography stressed as the standard for confirming and monitoring position of the endotracheal tube, supraglottic airways, and continuous assessment of ventilatory and shock status
  • Distinguishes between Rapid Extrication and Emergency Rescue
  • References the Hartford Consensus II document that indicates EMS should enter the scene of a suspected mass shooting with law enforcement protection
  • Discusses on evaluation of lactate levels in shock
  • Encourages Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) exams in the pre-hospital setting, when available
  • Pelvic binders indicated for pre-hospital treatment of an unstable pelvis
  • Dedicated chapter on substance abuse and treatment of the impaired patient
  • “What’s New” section outlining updates and additions to the previous edition

Download What Sets ITLS Apart comparison (PDF)

A comprehensive comparison is available upon request. Please email Ginny Kennedy Palys at ginnykp@itrauma.org.

This information is taken directly from ITLS International. ITLS Saskatchewan is not responsible for it's content.

Read 3483 times Last modified on March 17, 2016
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