ITLS Update

ITLS Update


POSTED IN: Summer 2016,

Bob Page

What is ITLS?

The smart choice for your trauma training

International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) is a global not-for-profit organization dedicated to preventing death and disability from trauma through education and emergency trauma care. Founded in 1985 as Basic Trauma Life Support International, ITLS adopted a new name in 2005 to better reflect its global role and impact.

Today, ITLS has more than 90 chapters and training centers in over 35 countries around the world. ITLS is the only prehospital trauma program endorsed by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). ACEP has endorsed ITLS since 1986 and recognizes the importance of quality pre-hospital care.

ITLS is accepted internationally as the standard training course for pre-hospital trauma care. Not only are courses taught as a continuing education option, but they are also used as essential curricula in many paramedic, EMT and first responder training programs.

Focused content that delivers

ITLS courses give the student the knowledge and hands-on skills to take better care of trauma patients. ITLS stresses rapid assessment, appropriate intervention and identification of immediate life threats. The ITLS framework for rapid, appropriate and effective trauma care is a global standard that works in any situation.

ITLS courses combine classroom learning, hands-on skills stations, and assessment stations that put learning to work in simulated trauma scenarios. Each ITLS course includes an evidence-based course manual with in-depth content written and edited by trauma care experts based on current research. ITLS courses are designed, managed and delivered by course directors, coordinators and instructors experienced in EMS, pre-hospital care and the ITLS approach.

ITLS is an approved provider by the Continuing Education Coordination Board for Emergency Medical Services (CECBEMS) and all ITLS courses are CECBEMS certified.

ITLS offers courses in several specialty areas including, Pediatric ITLS, ITLS Access, and ITLS Military.

Missouri ITLS

The Missouri ITLS Chapter started in 1986 and has been sponsored by MOCEP from the start.

Missouri ITLS offers courses statewide, and are conducted at the local and regional level. The MO ITLS chapter approves courses and collects information and fees and pays international for the courses. We have active training sites in Springfield, Bolivar, Farmington, St. Louis, Troy, Hannibal, Osage Beach, St. Joseph, Kansas City, Raytown, Columbia, Hermann, and Maryville.

Statewide, students trained in ITLS have increased over the past three years. On average, there is approximately nine students per class, reflecting that more classes are being held for very small groups. Larger classes in the past were related to EMT and paramedic programs including the course in their curriculum. Now, with no state minimum requirements on trauma training courses, many places are no longer offering the courses to in order to save money.

2013

65 courses

693 students

2014

71 courses

596 students

2015

99 courses

931 students

To find a class or a coordinator near you go to, http://cms.itrauma.org/CourseSearch.aspx. Classes are posted as they are approved.

For more information about Missouri ITLS contact Bob Page, ITLS Missouri Chapter Coordinator, edutainment@mac.com. For more information about the International organization go to www.itrauma.org.