ATLS in Europe

Abstract

Different protocols and algorithms exist for the primary treatment of the polytraumatized patient mostly with some differences in priorities and sequence, depending on local but even national customs. ATLS provides the physician with essential tools for the primary assessment of the trauma patient, organized in a strict sequence of assessment and as much as possible evidence based. Based an the motto “treat first what kills first” and “do no further harm”, it allows even the less experienced physician involved in trauma care, to diagnose and treat the possibly lethal injuries of the trauma patient in the correct sequence and prevents him to overlook the less obvious lesions. In 1986 ATLS was introduced in the UK and has been spreading out to 13 more European countries. In 2006 the ACS assigned a chair in the Committee on Trauma to the European ATLS countries. From now on Europe, to a certain extent, can influence the further development of ATLS. It is a challenge to introduce this program further in Europe, making it possible to treat trauma patients across the different boarders in Europe, using a system that has proven itself and that allows physicians involved in trauma care, to speak one common language.

Key words

Advanced trauma life support (ATLS)

References

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