We are a Satellite Academic Center for the University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg.
ATLS
Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) is a training program for medical providers in the management of acute trauma cases, developed by the American College of Surgeons.
Similar programs exist for immediate care providers such as paramedics.
The program has been adopted worldwide in over 60 countries, sometimes under the name of Early Management of Severe Trauma, especially outside North America.
ACLS
Known as Advanced Cardiac Life Support or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support.
(ACLS) refers to a set of clinical interventions for the urgent treatment of cardiac arrest.
It is also applicable for strokes and other life-threatening medical emergencies, as well as the knowledge and skills to deploy those interventions.
Outside North America, Advanced Life Support is used.
Course Duration: 2 Days
Accreditation: Resuscitation Council of South Africa
Language(s) of Instruction: English
DSTC
The DSTC™ and DATC™ course is the world’s largest international trauma surgery course.
Designed by trauma surgeons and anaesthesiologists; the course includes advanced live tissue skills & is intended to enhance both the trauma decision making skills, teamwork and surgical skills of the participants.
DSTC™ is aimed specifically at surgeons, anaesthesiologists and senior trainees who are involved in the management of patients with major trauma, especially where expertise or resources may be limited.
Course Duration : 3 Days
Accreditation : International Association for Trauma Surgery & Intensive Care (IATSIC)
Language(s) of Instruction : English
Study and Training
The posts are recognised by the Health Professions Council of South Africa for sub-specialist training in Trauma Surgery and Trauma Critical Care.
Applicants are required to be registered as Medical Practitioners with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.
Holders of non-South African qualifications should refer to the HPCSA Regulations regarding foreign graduates.
There is a full academic training programme in Trauma Surgery and audit of the patient care forms part of the Unit’s activities. A research project is considered a mandatory part of the conditions of Level 1 accreditation, and every effort will be made to assist staff in this regard both academically and financially.
Quality assurance, including mortality and morbidity meetings, blood utilization reviews, TRISS scoring, the National Trauma Data Bank (Medibank), etc., is emphasized. There is duty teaching on all aspects of immediate Trauma care and Trauma critical care, for all medical, nursing, and allied health care professionals, and a compulsory weekly academic morning at each of the Provincial hospitals. Extensive library and laboratory facilities are available via the University of the Witwatersrand. CPD (Continuing Medical Education) points are awarded.
The Center is also the coordinating point for the Definitive Surgical Trauma Care Course (DSTCTM), and Definitive Anesthetic Trauma Care Course DATCTM under the auspices of the International Association for Trauma Surgery and Intensive Care (IATSIC) which seeks to train surgeons and anesthesiologists on the specific practical advanced management of major injury, and team resource management.