Advanced Trauma Life Support

The Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS®) system allows for standardization in the management of the trauma patient. It places an emphasis on prioritizing a systematic approach to patient care, with the single unifying goal of identifying and intervening on life-threatening injuries. The primary survey groups certain key systems that would contribute to a hastened demise into an initial assessment. This is quickly followed by the secondary survey, allowing the care team to assess associated injuries and establish a care plan. This protocol applies in both military and civilian settings and reduces mortality, expedites patient care, and improves outcomes. ATLS® promotes high-quality care that is evidence-based and protocolized, thereby minimizing clinician and facility variations in care. It facilitates a team-based approach, allowing for expeditious coordination of diagnostics and therapeutics.