[5 years ATLS (Advanced Trauma Life Support) courses in Switzerland]

Five years ATLS (Advanced Trauma Life Support) in Switzerland are analysed, the problems are discussed and the changes during this period are demonstrated. ATLS Switzerland is a part of the Swiss surgical Society, introduced by the ATLS International Faculty in 1998. Switzerland with 4 official languages needs a special structure. For this reason a decentralisation of the courses was necessary with the need of five regional universities where ATLS courses are offered. Statistics of the rising amount of courses demonstrate the enormous rush for ATLS courses in our country. Three courses in 1998 where followed by six courses in 1999, up to 18 courses in 2002. 2001 was the first year with ATLS in the Swiss Army. Since 1.1.2003 Paul Martin Sutter, Biel ist the new National Director, successor of Domenic Scharplatz, Thusis.