Northern Virginia Community College
Northern Virginia Community College

Revised 10/2026

EMS 163 - Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) (1 CR.)

Course Description

Prepares for certification as a Prehospital Trauma Life Support provider as defined by the American College of Surgeons. Lecture 1 hour per week.

General Course Purpose

The purpose of this course is to instruct the student in the pathophysiology of blunt and penetrating trauma.  In addition, the student is taught the assessment and treatment of blunt and penetrating trauma.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

Prerequisite: EMS 111 or equivalent

Course Objectives

Upon completing the course, the student will be able to:

  • Provide a brief description of the anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology for the underlying etiologies related to a variety of medical complaints.
  • Provide an understanding of the importance of an assessment-based approach to assessment and management of patient's with medical complaints.
  • Enhance the participant's knowledge and skill in the assessment and management of patient's with a variety of medical complaints.
  • Evaluate the differences in medical differential diagnoses that are life threats and require immediate management.
  • Support the team approach, for both prehospital and in-hospital healthcare personnel, by utilizing a dynamic assessment process, effective communications, and management skills by healthcare providers at all levels of practice.
  • Utilize effective therapeutic communication, clinical reasoning, patter recognition, and decision-making skills to perform comprehensive assessments to identify life-threatening; critical/emergent and nonemergency medical diagnoses, and management strategies, for medical complaints.
  • Discuss historical, physical examination, and diagnostic findings to the appropriate body system to determine and modify appropriate differential diagnoses.

Major Topics to Be Included

  • Advanced Medical Life Support Assessment for the Medical Patient
  • Respiratory Disorders
  • Cardiovascular Disorders
  • Shock
  • Neurological Disorders
  • Abdominal Disorders
  • Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Environmental-Related Disorders
  • Toxicology
  • Hazardous Materials
  • Weapons of Mass Destruction