Frequently Asked Questions

Who can take a BTLS Course?

The advanced BTLS provider course is designed for advanced level practitioners such as certified EMT-Intermediates, paramedics, registered nurses, physician assistants, physicians, or other allied health professionals responsible for care of trauma victims. The basic BTLS provider course is designed for entry level EMS providers such as first responders or basic emergency medical technicians or other allied health professionals who hold similar qualifications.

Can an EMT-Basic take the Advanced BTLS Provider course?

It is recommended that EMT-Basics attend the basic provider course but South Carolina EMT-Basics may take either the advanced or basic BTLS provider course. Since SC EMT's are trained in orotrachial intubation and the Laryngeal Mask Airway, the additional skills discussed in the advanced course do not preclude the participation of EMT-Basics. EMT-Basics attending the advanced course will take the basic BTLS provider exam and will receive a Basic BTLS Provider card upon successful completion of the course.

How long is a BTLS Provider card good?

The BTLS Provider card expires three years from the date of issue.

How long does it take to get my card after I take the class?

BTLS course coordinators are expected to submit their course rosters and required paperwork to the SC BTLS Chapter Coordinator within ten days of the end of the course. The BTLS Chapter Coordinator typically issues the cards and certificates to the course coordinator for distribution to the students within two to three days. If you do not recieve your card within thirty days of the end of your course, contact your course coordinator or Paul Lucas, SC BTLS Chapter Coordinator.

How do I become a BTLS Instructor?

In order to become a BTLS instructor you first have to become a BTLS Provider. The provider course is 16 hours. To qualify as an instructor candidate, you must achieve greater than 86% on the written test, “excellent” on patient assessment, or be recommended as a potential instructor by an affiliate faculty during the BTLS provider course. Once qualified, you can take the 8-hour Instructor course. Current PHTLS instructors can become BTLS instructors by taking a bridge course as explained below.

My instructor card is about to expire. How do I get a new one?

If you have met the teaching requirements for your current instructor authorization period, the South Carolina BTLS Chapter Coordinator will send your new instructor card to the address on file before your current card expires. If you have not met your teaching requirements, you will receive a letter advising you of this and listing your options for re-authorization. If your instructor card has expired and you received no correspondence from South Carolina BTLS, contact the chapter coordinator to check whether your current address is on file. If you have any questions regarding your instructor status, contact Paul Lucas, SC BTLS Chapter Coordinator.

I'm a BTLS Instructor in another state. How do I get authorized to teach in South Carolina?

Instructor certification will be accepted from any other chapter. An instructor coming into the BTLS chapter must apply to the BTLS Chapter Coordinator for reciprocity. This application will include the instructor's past activities regarding BTLS instruction and a letter confirming good standing from their former Chapter Medical Director. Once approved by the BTLS Chapter Coordinator, the instructor candidate must be briefed and monitored teaching by a chapter affiliate faculty. Upon completion of monitoring, the affiliate faculty will send his/her recommendation to the BTLS Chapter Coordinator. The Chapter Coordinator may issue a certification card or discuss the results with the Chapter Advisory Committee for resolution.

I'm a PHTLS Instructor. Can I teach BTLS?

A Prehospital Trauma Life Support instructor may become a BTLS instructor following successful completion of a chapter approved bridging course or BTLS Instructor Course that emphasizes BTLS patient assessment, the administrative structure and philosophy of BTLS. After completion, the instructor candidate must be monitored teaching by a chapter affiliate faculty. Upon completion of monitoring, the affiliate faculty will send his/her recommendation to the BTLS Chapter Coordinator. The Chapter Coordinator may issue a certification card or discuss the results with the Chapter Advisory Committee for resolution.