Developed by the Rural Trauma Committee of the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma, the Rural Trauma Team Development Course (RTTDC) is an American College of Surgeons (ACS) trauma program based on the concept that in most situations, rural facilities can form a trauma team consisting of at least three core members. The course is offered in a single day or modular format.

Target Audience

The intended audience includes individuals who are involved in the care of the injured patient, including physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, prehospital personnel, technicians, and administrative support.

Course Objectives

• Organize a rural trauma team with defined roles and responsibilities for the members
• Prepare a rural facility for the appropriate care of the injured patient
• Identify local resources and limitations
• Assess and resuscitate a trauma patient
• Initiate the transfer process early
• Establish a performance improvement process
• Encourage effective communication
• Define the relationship between the rural trauma facility and the regional trauma system

Please click here to learn more about the RTTDC from the ACS.

Currently the Tulane Trauma Education Institute organizes RTTDCs. For more information please click here for the Institute’s contact information.