[Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS): An interdisciplinary training in preclinical trauma care].

INTRODUCTION: There is clinical evidence that standardized management of trauma patients in the emergency department improves outcome. Standardized prehospital management has been established for stroke patients and those suffering acute coronary syndrome. Prehospital treatment of trauma patients differs quite significantly from one system to another. The data from the German Trauma Registry show that the average time from accident until arrival in the emergency department is 72 min. This needs improvement.

RESULTS: PHTLS is a training course that teaches a systematic approach to the trauma patient in the preclinical setting. The aim is to rapidly and accurately assess the patient's physiologic status, treat according to priorities, and decide whether the patient is critical and needs rapid rescue and transport. Above all, it is important for caregivers to prevent secondary injury, to realize the relevance of timing in the initial treatment, and to assure a high standard of care. PHTLS provides the participant with knowledge, skills, and necessary behaviors. The course is open to persons in all specialties involved in the initial management of severely injured patients. The German Board of Emergency Technicians e.V. inaugurated the course concept in cooperation with the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) and the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and is authorized to organize PHTLS courses in Germany.

CONCLUSION: PHTLS teaches a standardized and established approach to the trauma patient in the emergency department. It has been established in 36 countries and the content is reviewed regularly to consider new scientific evidence. Healthcare personnel in Germany have the chance to participate in this international standard of care and to introduce their own experiences into the review process.