Global Symposium Highlights Progress in Trauma Education |
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More than 200 participants from Regions 1–17 gathered in Birmingham, Alabama, March 13–15, for the 2026 Global Symposium. The program featured dedicated tracks for Advanced Trauma Life Support® (ATLS®) educators and coordinators, sessions on ATLS
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11th Edition best practices, trauma education research, and updates to the Resource-Variable Trauma Team Development Course (RTTDC®). Attendees also received details on the integration of ATLS with Advanced Trauma Care for Nurses (ATCN), and the incorporation of ACS Stop the Bleed into ATLS.
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For the first time, the Symposium included a keynote address. Trauma survivor Garry Taylor (Alabama) opened the meeting with an inspiring story, in a session moderated by |
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Trauma survivor Garry Taylor presented the keynote address at the Global Symposium. |
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Jeffrey D. Kerby, MD, PhD, FACS, Immediate-Past Chair of the Committee on Trauma and Medical Director, Trauma Education. Additional panels featured updates from US and international region chiefs and program leaders, concluding with a session on “Everything Trauma Education,” moderated by Joakim Jorgensen, MD, PhD, FACS, Region 15 Chief. |
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During the Global Symposium, five countries were recognized with ATLS Country Anniversary awards: Egypt, 15 years; Costa Rica, 20 years; Taiwan, 30 years; Ireland, 35 years; Chile, 40 years. Additional trauma education awards also were presented: |
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Styner Meritorious Service Award: Froilan Fernandez, MD, FACS International Meritorious Service Award: Guy Slater, MD, FACS ATLS Educator of the Year Award: Jeannette Capella, MD, MEd, FACS ATLS Coordinator of the Year Award (International): Singapore Coordinators ATLS Coordinator of the Year Award (US-Canada): Camp Bullis Coordinators Congratulations to all the 2026 award recipients. Photos from the ATLS Global Symposium can be viewed on the Global Symposium web page. |
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RTTDC 5th Edition Will Debut Soon |
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The RTTDC 5th Edition will launch soon. Active sites and faculty must complete the 5th Edition Faculty Update Course before submitting course requests or serving in a faculty role. This required course aligns faculty with the latest curriculum, standards, and instructional expectations.
New to RTTDC? An online Orientation Course, which covers the same content as the Update Course, also will be available. Enrollment details will be shared following the launch of the 5th Edition. Thank you to those who have taught RTTDC in the past and those who plan to in the future. Together, we’re advancing the goal of providing high-quality trauma care to all who need it, regardless of where one lives.
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See What’s New in CMS |
The Course Management System (CMS) continues to evolve with enhancements designed to improve the user experience. Many of these updates are driven by user feedback; continued input is encouraged. Notable updates include:
Pre-test result metrics: Coordinators can now access results for all courses at affiliated sites in the Reports section. A standard operating procedure (SOP) will be available soon. SOP and FAQ documentation: Resources are being added to the CMS Resources section as they become available. Suggestions for additional materials are welcome. ATCN integration: ATCN courses, learners, and sites are now integrated into the CMS. FAQs and supporting documentation are available in the Resources section. |
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Expand Access with ATLS 11 Translations |
Programs interested in translating ATLS 11th Edition materials, including the ATLS 11 Course Manual, can submit a request through the ATLS 11 Translation Request Form. Requests will be reviewed by the ACS Trauma Education team, with guidance provided on the translation process. For questions, contact traumaedoperations@facs.org. |
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ATLS 11 Guides and SOPs Are Available in CMS |
The Trauma Education Customer and Program Support Team has created a centralized folder in the CMS for ATLS 11th Edition guides and SOPs. Designed for coordinators, faculty, and learners, these resources support common requests and questions. Access, download, and share materials by expanding “FAQs and SOPs” list in the 11th Edition Resources tab. New guides and SOPs will be added regularly, so check back often. For questions, contact trauameducation@facs.org. |
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Videos, Modules Are Required Before Refresher Course |
ATLS 11th Edition Refresher Courses include required videos and modules that must be completed prior to the in-person part of the Course. These components are clearly marked in the Learning Management System (LMS), and learners must complete them to claim course credit. A detailed list of required content is available in the ATLS 11 Refresher Course Learner Letter, which can be shared with enrolled learners for guidance. For questions, contact traumaeducation@facs.org. |
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ATLS 11 Slide Guides Will Help Strengthen Teaching |
ATLS 11th Edition Slide Guides are now available in the CMS for site coordinators, instructors, course directors, and educators. The guides have been designed for all Skills Stations and Interactive Discussions and provide ATLS faculty with notes, prompts, and tools to support effective teaching. Access them in the ATLS Course folder within the 11th Edition Resources tab. For more information, contact traumaeducation@facs.org. |
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REMINDERS: |
Unlock 2 Months Free of MyATLS Pro |
To enhance the ATLS learning experience, new MyATLS app users enrolled in an ATLS course—who have not previously accessed the Pro version—receive 2 months of free MyATLS Pro access. Learners can unlock access using the codes below:
Faculty should encourage learners at registration to download the MyATLS app and use this supplemental resource. Codes are for ATLS learners only and should not be shared outside your course site(s). Once redeemed, Pro access remains active for 2 months; learners may continue or cancel their subscription at any time afterward. Codes are updated periodically, with the most current version available in the LMS. The MyATLS app complements the course but does not count toward course completion or credit. For more information, visit the MyATLS app web page. |
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Pricing Adjustment Supports Continued Excellence in Trauma Education |
All ACS Trauma Education products are subject to a standardized annual price adjustment of 4%, effective each July. This structured approach, which began in 2025, establishes a consistent and predictable pricing model that supports the ongoing development, enhancement, and delivery of high-quality trauma education resources. The annual adjustment will continue to be applied each year moving forward. For more information, email traumaedoperations@facs.org. |
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The Trauma Education team is here to support you in offering quality educational programs. Share ideas for future newsletter topics, and contact traumaeducation@facs.org with questions. |
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