ITLS Information

International Trauma Life Support

Course Prerequisites:

Initial: Completion and submission of pre-course written self-assessment exam is required upon entry to course.

Renewal: Current or recently expired ITLS (BTLS) Provider Card or PHTLS. Completion and submission of pre-course written self-assessment exam is required upon entry to course.
Completer: eOnline ITLS Completer Course, go to www.itrauma.org for course information.

Intended Audience:

These comprehensive courses are designed for providers who are first to evaluate and stabilize the trauma patient. The courses provide complete training in the skills needed for rapid assessment, resuscitation, stabilization and transportation of trauma patients.


ITLS Basic course provides the core of knowledge and skills appropriate for all levels of EMSpersonnel including First Responders, EMT-Basics, and other healthcare providers.


ITLS Advanced course builds on this knowledge, emphasizing evaluation steps and sequencing as well as techniques for resuscitating and packaging patients. ITLS Advanced is appropriate for advanced EMTs, EMT-Paramedics, trauma nurses, , mid-level providers, physicians, emergency department personnel with advanced EMT or higher training, and other advanced EMS personnel.


Course Details

ITLS is accepted internationally as the standard training course for prehospital trauma care. It is taught not only as a continuing education course, but also used as essential curricula in many First Responder, EMT, and EMT-Paramedic training programs.

ITLS courses combine classroom learning and hands-on skill stations. They also challenge the participant with scenario assessment stations where learning is pt to work in simulated trauma situations. ITLS courses are designed, managed, and delivered by course directors, coordinators, and instructors experienced in EMS, prehospital care, and the ITLS approach.

ITLS is synonymous with training EMS personnel in providing optimal care for the injured in the prehospital setting. The program provides a variety of training options to suit the requirements of all levels and backgrounds of prehospital emergency personnel around the world.


Hands-on stations include:
Patient assessment and management
Basic and advanced airway management
Needle chest decompression and fluid resuscitation
Spinal motion restriction including rapid extrication, extrication devices (KED, XP-1, etc), helmet management, log-roll, and long/backboard/scoop stretcher utilization
Extremity immobilization and traction splint application
Course Fees

Pre-registration is required for either course and fees for ITLS Advanced and Basic include: ITLS for Prehospital Care Providers Textbook, course equipment and supplies, and for successful candidates the fee also includes the ITLS post course completion documentation which includes the ITLS course Completion Certificate and wallet card. Fees for Completer Course include: course equipment and supplies, and for successful candidates the fee also includes the ITLS post course completion documentation which includes the ITLS course Completion Certificate and wallet card.