ATLS (Observer) V PHTLS

G

GA3587

Full Registered User
I understand the differences between the two courses but in terms of empolyability utility which is better?

For example:
Two identically qualified HPC Paramedics applying for remote / HE work. One has ATLS, the other PHTLS. Which one stands out?
 
If you'd observed the last space shuttle launch, would it make you an astronaut? You can observe till you're blue in the face, but it won't give you a qual.

PHTLS is the way to go.
 
GA3587 said:
I understand the differences between the two courses but in terms of empolyability utility which is better?

For example:
Two identically qualified HPC Paramedics applying for remote / HE work. One has ATLS, the other PHTLS. Which one stands out?
Click to expand...


Further to my last, ATLS will do you no good what so ever in the middle of shitesville, and even PHTLS has it's limits as it's to do with rapid assessment and getting the person away to definitive care as quickly as possible. Again, apart from the skills bit, it's of limited use in a remote setting.

My advice is to get your OSMC under your belt. Do it at NUH and it will include ALS and PHTLS. That will give you most of the primary care stuff often required in remote medicine.

A word of caution. The fact that you are a Paramedic won't prepare you for working in remote medicine. I understand the draw of the work - travel, exotic places, RnR with horny maidens (or hairy arrsed blokes if that's your thing) etc, but, you need to really know your stuff to be safe in remote environments. The HPC Para ticket will not cover much of what's needed, so think very carefully indeed before accepting work with the usual suspects. And for Christs sake DO IT FOR MONEY. This is an industry not a charity.
 
In agreement with te rest of the posts really. I've done both courses and work both hospital and remote site as a nurse.
ATLS allows you to refresh, you go through the same process as thr Doc's but no qualification really, nice bit of paper with ATLS (OBSERVER) on it.
PHTLS is a probbaly more useful.
However Starlight is right. Primary care experience, advanced pathophysiology, prescribing, public health and some health and safety skills are as applicable as the trauma certs. It's right to have both but skills of a GP nature are what you will use on a more regular basis.
 
Have done ATLS observer this year, very much hospital based course,useful for survival in the RESUS room only.
 
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