Improving Trauma Care Worldwide
Improving Trauma Care Worldwide
International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) is a global 501c3 non-profit organization with headquarters in Illinois, USA.
Today, ITLS has more than 130 Chapters and Training Centres in over 50 countries around the world that offer training, education, and research opportunities for emergency care providers.
Background and History
John E. Campbell, MD, FACEP founded Basic Trauma Life Support International in 1982. ITLS was founded on the mission to prevent death and disability from trauma through education and emergency trauma care. With a Chapter grant from the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) to the Alabama Chapter of ACEP, the first BTLS course was created.
ITLS was adopted as the new name better reflect its global role and impact.
As of 2024, over 931,000 students have been trained worldwide since 1982.
About ITLS Chapters and Training Centres
ITLS is organized as a global system of Chapters and Training Centres.
All Chapters and Training Centres must be sponsored or managed by established organizations. Individuals may not apply for Chapter or Training Centre designation.
In the United States, ITLS Chapters are administered and conducted in numerous states, often through the state chapter of ACEP, or in conjunction with a regional or state emergency medical services (EMS) agency. ITLS Chapters may also be managed by hospital or health care systems, pre-hospital agencies, or other EMS-related organizations.