advanced trauma life support


advanced trauma life support

A protocol for managing trauma victims and designed to maximise management in the first (“golden”) hour after trauma and ensure an optimal long-term outcome. ATLS is usually performed by a team, with one team member securing the airway, another inserting venous cannula and another exposing the patient. The team leader should constantly repeat the protocol in further assessments to stabilise the patient, and plan for further management or definitive care.

Ad·vanced Trau·ma Life Sup·port

(ATLS) (ăd-vanst' traw'mă līf sŭ-pōrt') Educational course addressing acute care for trauma patients.

Advanced Trauma Life Support

A course offered by the American College of Surgeons to prepare physicians to manage critical trauma patients.

advanced trauma life support

Abbreviation: ATLS
1. Treatment for managing a critically injured patient.2. See: Advanced Trauma Life SupportSee also: life support