ACLS vs ATLS
ACLS and ATLS are both “advanced life support” courses and are easily confused. An ACLS course covers cardiac arrest and cardiovascular emergencies; ATLS covers the injured patient.
The short answer
ACLS (American Heart Association) is for cardiac arrest, arrhythmias, ACS and stroke. ATLS (American College of Surgeons) is for the initial management of major trauma, mainly for doctors. Emergency physicians often hold both.
| ACLS | ATLS | |
|---|---|---|
| Run by | American Heart Association | American College of Surgeons |
| Focus | Cardiac arrest, arrhythmias, ACS, stroke | Initial assessment and management of trauma |
| Main audience | Doctors, nurses, paramedics, pharmacists | Doctors |
| Framework | Systematic approach and ACLS algorithms | Primary and secondary survey for trauma |
Both use a structured ABCDE-type assessment, and a trauma patient can arrest. In traumatic arrest, the reversible causes differ — bleeding, tension pneumothorax and tamponade dominate — which is why ACLS teaches the H’s and T’s and ATLS teaches the trauma-specific interventions.
We teach ACLS; ATLS is delivered through the American College of Surgeons’ programme, linked below. Other comparisons: AHA ACLS vs other ALS courses, BLS vs ACLS, PALS vs ACLS.
When a trauma patient arrests, the priorities shift towards the causes most likely in trauma: major bleeding, tension pneumothorax, cardiac tamponade and hypoxia. Chest compressions still matter, but treating the cause quickly matters more. This is an area where knowing both frameworks helps an emergency team.
For most clinicians, BLS first, then ACLS; ATLS if your role involves major trauma.
Other life support and first aid courses: BLS Course · PALS Course · First Aid Course · Training calendar
No. ACLS covers cardiac and medical emergencies; ATLS covers major trauma.
ATLS is mainly for doctors; nurses usually take ACLS and dedicated trauma nursing courses.
Often yes.
No, we teach AHA ACLS, BLS and PALS.
For most clinicians, BLS and then ACLS; ATLS if your role involves trauma.
No. PALS is the AHA paediatric advanced life support course; ATLS is trauma-focused.
No. The AHA ACLS Provider card is valid for two years. ATLS has its own validity period set by the American College of Surgeons programme, so check its current rules separately.
Safety First Medical Services is an American Heart Association training centre on Al Reem Island. HeartCode blended ACLS, classroom ACLS and on-site group ACLS for hospitals and clinics, with a two-year AHA ACLS Provider eCard on completion.
See ACLS dates and register ACLS course overview Group booking enquiry
What we teach follows the awarding body and the UAE health authorities. For the definitive position on a course or licensing question, these are the places to check.
Last reviewed by the training team at Safety First Medical Services, an American Heart Association training centre at Addax Office Tower, Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi. Call +971 55 761 9841 or email training@safetyfirstmed.ae.