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 centres in over 35 countries around the world. ITLS is the only prehospital trauma program endorsed by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP).
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.
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 a, 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 Commission on Accreditation of Pre-Hospital Continuing Education (CAPCE) [formerly CECBEMS] and all ITLS courses are CAPCE certified.
The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) has endorsed ITLS since 1986 and recognizes the importance of quality pre-hospital care. It is dedicated to a leadership role in improving the standards and training of EMS providers. EMS providers, emergency nurses, and emergency physicians are members of the same team. If EMS providers are well trained and receive quality medical direction, the patients for whom they care will likely have a better chance of recovery.
No group is in a better position to understand the needs and circumstances of EMS providers than the emergency physicians with whom they work. ITLS is supported in its educational efforts by National ACEP and individual ACEP chapters. National ACEP maintains a close liaison with ITLS and has an appointed seat to the Board of Directors.