Howdy y'all!

I have my ATLS class next week and am looking for tips. In my previous EMS life, I taught BTLS and PHTLS classes for years. I know that ATLS is a more advanced course, but I'm looking to find out what areas I should focus on prior to the class.

In other words, I'm not planning on treating this course like ACLS and PALS which I'm pretty much blowing off since I used to teach them and feel very comfortable with them. I just don't know what areas I need to watch out for.

Thanks for any advice.

Take care,
Jeff

just pay attention during the course. I didn' tdo any extra studying. it isn't that difficult.

just pay attention during the course. I didn' tdo any extra studying. it isn't that difficult.

Ah...music to my ears! I guess I'll have time to work on all those pictures I took on my Colorado vacation (huge bull elk at 20 yards!).

Of course, studying sounds better than the yard work my wife has in store for me. :)

Thanks and take care,
Jeff

it's pretty easy. you can preread the textbook -- it's a quick read -- but everything will be covered in class anyway, so just pay attention.

I think the key to doing well is to awnser the questions exactly as they have stated the information. Thinking is not really part of the course. memorization and regurgitation and alot of it is common sense. ABC for a reason.. ;)

Definately have fun with your pics! ATLS isn't anything to get worked up about. I didn't even read the book. *sheepish*

Howdy y'all!

I have my ATLS class next week and am looking for tips. In my previous EMS life, I taught BTLS and PHTLS classes for years. I know that ATLS is a more advanced course, but I'm looking to find out what areas I should focus on prior to the class.

In other words, I'm not planning on treating this course like ACLS and PALS which I'm pretty much blowing off since I used to teach them and feel very comfortable with them. I just don't know what areas I need to watch out for.

Thanks for any advice.

Take care,
Jeff

If you're nervous, read the book.

ACLS/PALS have become kinder, gentler over the years.

ATLS hasn't kept up with that... it's fairly easy, but people can and do fail.

Always think ABCD, IV x2/O2/monitor for all patients.

mike

I'd recommend reading the text before the class. It can't hurt you, and some of the questions can be difficult if you're not a natural at test taking.

At least one ATLS course coordinator has told me that people who prepare for the course are more likely to pass the writen exam on the first try.

I have my ATLS class next week and am looking for tips. In my previous EMS life, I taught BTLS and PHTLS classes for years. I know that ATLS is a more advanced course, but I'm looking to find out what areas I should focus on prior to the class.

I think you and I are the only people on the board that have taken BTLS - ATLS is similar, but has more focus on when to transfer patients to higher levels of care. The algorithms of what and how to treat are similar, though - ABCDE, then secondary survey. If you know BTLS (better flow) and PHTLS (more procedures), then you'll be fine.

I think you and I are the only people on the board that have taken BTLS - ATLS is similar, but has more focus on when to transfer patients to higher levels of care. The algorithms of what and how to treat are similar, though - ABCDE, then secondary survey. If you know BTLS (better flow) and PHTLS (more procedures), then you'll be fine.
Ahem... really? Only you two?

have taken and taught btls and phtls( and taken atls). btls inmy opinion is a much better class than phtls due to the flow issues/parrot phrases as above.

Ahem... really? Only you two?

You hadn't posted yet! That's what I meant.