The American College of Surgeons ATLS Course emphasizes the rapid initial assessment and primary management of the injured patient, starting at the time of injury and continuing through initial assessment, lifesaving intervention, reevaluation, stabilization, and, when needed, transfer to a trauma center. The course consists of pre- and postcourse tests, core content lectures, interactive case presentations, discissions, development of lifesaving skills, practical laboratory experiences, and a final performance proficiency evaluation. Upon completion of the course, physicians should feel confident in implementing the skills taught in the ATLS course. (Advanced Trauma Life Support for Doctors, 7th edition, 2005)
Denver Health offers several two-day provider courses and one-day refresher courses throughout the year. (Please see the 2009 Course Schedule). These courses are held on the Denver Health campus, at the Rita Bass Trauma and EMS Education Institute at 190 W. 6th Avenue (6th Avenue and Bannock Street). Other off campus classes may be set up on request for conferences or other special events. One such example would be the one-day refresher course held in conjunction with the Rocky Mountain Trauma and Emergency Medicine Conference, held in Breckenridge, Colorado in June.