Amarillo's Premier Trauma Instructors
ATLS
Examination
Practical Exam advice
1. As you approach this Physical Exam, take a deep breath to calm your nerves and centre your focus at the task at hand.
2. The coordinator will determine if you do the practical exam first, followed by a paper or vice versa.
3. Officially there is no ACS time limit, Our expectation is that you complete the exam by saving the patients life between 7-15 minutes.
4. Before approaching a patient who has suffered massive physical trauma in a practical medical exam, prioritise your mental preparedness.
5. Take a moment to compose yourself and maintain a calm demeanour to provide reassurance to the patient.
6. Briefly review the steps of the primary and secondary survey for trauma assessment to ensure a systematic approach.
7. As you enter the room, introduce yourself confidently and empathetically, explaining your role and intentions clearly.
8. Establish trust and rapport with the patient by acknowledging their distress and expressing your commitment to providing optimal care.
9. Communicate effectively with the patient & examiner throughout the assessment, explaining procedures and obtaining consent when possible.
10. Prioritize patient safety and prioritize interventions according to the ATLS way; ABCDE (Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure) approach.
11. Remain focused, organized, and compassionate, maintaining professionalism even in challenging situations.
12. Remember, your thorough and compassionate approach can make a significant difference in the patient's outcome.
13. Finally, remember that your worth as a physician is not solely determined by this exam. Stay positive, stay focused, and give it your best effort. You've got this!
Written Exam advice
1. As you approach this Post-Test Exam, take a deep breath to calm your nerves and centre your focus at the task at hand.
2. The coordinator will determine if you do the practical exam first, followed by a paper or vice versa.
3. Remind yourself off the extensive preparation you've done & the knowledge you possess.
4. Officially there is no ACS time limit, Our expectation is that you complete the exam swiftly, smoothly & with minimal disruption. The minimum required to pass is 75% or 30 out of 40.
5. Quickly skim through the entire exam to get a sense of the structure and types of questions.
6. Identify any sections that seem particularly challenging or time-consuming, and plan your time accordingly.
7. Prioritize answering questions you feel confident about first to build momentum and boost your confidence.
8. Trust your instincts and avoid second-guessing yourself excessively.
9. If you encounter difficult questions, don't dwell on them—mark them for review and move on.
10. Maintain a steady pace throughout the exam, aiming to answer each question accurately but efficiently.
11. Finally, remember that your worth as a physician is not solely determined by this exam. Stay positive, stay focused, and give it your best effort. You've got this!