Advanced Burn Life Support (ABLS)

What are ABLS classes?
ABLS classes consist of eight hours of lectures, case studies, group discussions, and practical exercises that include patient assessment, treatment, stabilization and transfer criteria.  Participants are required to take a written exam and rotate through various stations to demonstrate their new skills on volunteers that are realistically made-up to simulate burn victims from different case scenarios.  Those who successfully complete all of the course elements are awarded a certificate of completion and continuing education credits.

Why are ABLS classes being offered?  How are they funded?
ABLS classes are funded by a federal Public Health Emergency Preparedness grant, which was provided to the PA Trauma Systems Foundation from the Health Resources and Services Administration.  With only five burn centers in PA, the grant has enabled ATSPA to partner with the American Burn Association and the PA Department of Health to prepare hospital staff and emergency personnel to handle severe burns and other mass injuries in the critical first 24 hour post-injury period.  The training presents burn treatment protocol within the scope of practice for MDs, RNs, paramedics and EMTs, with the goal of lightening the burden on the specialized burn centers in Pennsylvania.  This could prove vital in the event of a terrorist attack or other catastrophic fallout. 

How many classes have been held?  Where?
Since May 2004, ATSPA has organized a total of 20 classes for over 432 participants at the following locations: UPMC Bedford Memorial Hospital; Dubois Regional Medical Center; Lock Haven Hospital; Meadville Medical Center; Robert Packer Hospital; Bradford Regional Medical Center; Geisinger Medical Center; York Hospital; Lehigh Valley Hospital; Crozer-Chester Hospital (2 classes); Western PA Hospital (2 classes); Armstrong County Memorial; Lewistown Hospital; Scranton Community Medical Center; and pre-conference classes at the EMS Today 2005, Annual EMS, and the EMSI Annual Conferences.  The classes were assisted by over 75 volunteer victims for a total of over 348 volunteer hours.  ATSPA also enlisted the help of 25 American Burn Association certified ABLS instructors, including doctors, nurses and paramedics. 

Contact:
For more information about the ABLS courses, contact ATSPA at (717) 766-1616,
1 (800) 822-2358 or atspa@atspa.org.