In 1976 an orthopedic surgeon, James Styner, crashed his small plane in Nebraska. His wife was killed and three of his children were critically injured. The crash led to Advanced Trauma Life Support, a course for doctors who treat injured patients. The first course was held in 1978.
The course, now run by the American College of Surgeons, has been taught to “over 1 million doctors in more than 80 countries.” Its concepts include: “Treat the greatest threat to life first.” “A lack of a definitive diagnosis should not delay the application of indicated treatment.” “A detailed history is not essential to begin the evaluation of a patient with acute injuries.”