Is the ATLS program difficult?
Whether or not the ATLS is difficult depends on your own level of preparation and dedication.
Most students report that the 3-day course was helpful and not taxing to complete. The most challenging section of the program is reported to be the written exam.
Even so, students who spent enough time studying reported that they found it manageable.
What is the ATLS practical scenario?
The ATLS practical scenario involves the instructor describing a realistic trauma scenario to the tester.
The tester will have to interact with either a live person or a mannequin and explain each step of the procedure to stabilize the victim. You will also ask the instructor for relevant details, such as vital signs and the patient's responsiveness.
What is on the ATLS exam?
The ATLS exam covers all areas of trauma support that were discussed during the course.
Topics that you will encounter include:
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Initial Assessment
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Airway and Ventilation Management
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Shock
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Thoracic Trauma
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Abdominal and Pelvic Trauma
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Head Trauma
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Spine and Spinal Cord Trauma
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Musculoskeletal Trauma
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Thermal Injury
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Pediatric Trauma
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Geriatric Trauma
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Trauma in Pregnancy and Intimate Partner Violence
What type of questions are on the ATLS test?
The ATLS exam is composed of multiple-choice questions.
How is the ATLS exam structured?
The ATLS exam is structured in two parts:
The first part is the written exam. It is composed of 40 multiple-choice questions regarding the theory you review during your lectures.
The practical exam consists of a trauma scenario. You are given a realistic description of a trauma incident, and you are required to describe and perform the necessary procedures.
What is the time limit for the ATLS test?
The ATLS examination usually lasts about three hours.
This includes both the practical examination, also known as the Skill Station, and the written test.
What is the biggest mistake students make on the ATLS test?
The biggest mistake students make regarding the ATLS is not taking enough time to prepare.
Use the study materials available to you, and make sure you ask questions and engage in discussions during your lectures to fully grasp all the concepts you will be tested on.
How long is each part of the ATLS?
The ATLS can be split into three parts: the pre-course requirements, the course itself, and the examination.
The pre-course requirements include reading the manual provided by the ACS for the ATLS. This can take up to a few days to complete, depending on your pace.
The course itself takes two days to complete, and it includes both theoretical lectures and practical exercises.
The examination happens on the same day for both the theoretical and the practical.
What is the hardest part of the ATLS?
Many students report that the hardest part of the ATLS is the written examination.
