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AGANA HEIGHTS, Guam - U.S. Naval Hospital (USNH) Guam strengthened its trauma care capabilities by becoming an American College of Surgeons approved Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) course site, Jan. 23, 2026. This milestone that enhances medical readiness in the geographically isolated Indo-Pacific region was achieved with the hospital hosting its first ATLS course from Jan. 21-23. As an approved ATLS course site, USNH Guam can independently host future courses
ATLS trauma training program is sponsored by the American College of Surgeons that teaches physicians and advanced practice providers a systematic approach to the early assessment and management of life-threatening injuries. The course teaches rapid decision-making using the xABCDE approach Exsanguinating hemorrhage (severe, life-threatening bleeding), Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, and Exposure. This step-by-step method for trauma care focuses on stopping major bleeding first and then quickly finding and treating the most critical injuries during resuscitation.
The inaugural ATLS course included 13 participants, consisting of 11 Navy and two Air Force physicians, supported by six certified instructors. The instructor-to-student ratio of approximately 1:3 allowed for individualized instruction and hands-on skills training. Several participants were identified as having instructor potential, supporting efforts to establish a sustainable ATLS training capability in Guam.
The course was conducted through a partnership with USNH Yokosuka and the 374th Surgical Operations Squadron from Yokota Air Base, Japan.
“This course represents a significant step forward in trauma readiness for Guam,” said Cmdr. Paul Lewis, a provider at USNH Guam and course director of the ATLS course. “Standardized trauma training ensures our teams can rapidly identify life-threatening injuries and deliver the right care at the right time, especially in an environment where distance and limited evacuation options require providers to be ready to manage complex trauma on island.”
Unlike other areas, medical teams in the Indo-Pacific must be prepared to care for critically injured patients for extended periods due to the tyranny of distance,” said Lewis. “A fully integrated trauma program ensures that care processes are established, continuously evaluated and refined to improve patient outcomes.”
When an injured patient arrives at the trauma bay, a structured response is immediately initiated. Trauma care at USNH Guam follows ATLS principles consistent with trauma centers across the United States, emphasizing rapid assessment, surgical leadership and coordinated multidisciplinary care.
Emergency medicine and surgical providers work as a unified team to deliver time-critical, life-saving interventions. Patients are evaluated using the primary survey using xABCDE supported by imaging such as X-rays and point-of-care ultrasound. If significant injuries are identified, immediate interventions are performed and the patient is reassessed continuously.
When a patient’s needs exceed on-island capabilities, the trauma program coordinates safe and timely transfer to a higher level of care. Transfers are facilitated through partnerships with medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) assets through the Theater Patient Movement Requirement Centers (TPMRC), Air Force medical evacuation assets, International SOS or commercial air transportation when appropriate. Continuity of care is maintained through direct provider-to-provider communication prior to transport.
Beyond emergency response, the trauma program contributes to injury prevention, performance improvement and long-term community safety across Guam. Trauma readiness is a whole-of-hospital effort involving nearly every department and level of leadership, supported by ongoing training and evaluation.
The successful completion of Guam’s first ATLS course marks a significant advancement in trauma readiness and on-island medical capability. By standardizing trauma assessment, strengthening multidisciplinary coordination and expanding provider expertise, the course enhances U.S. Naval Hospital Guam’s ability to deliver timely, life-saving care across the Indo-Pacific region.
U.S. Naval Hospital Guam is a 282,000 square foot military treatment facility (MTF) that supports the joint forces and strengthens the island by projecting forward-deployed medical power, delivering high-quality care, and forging strategic partnerships. The MTF and its staff of nearly 700 offers a broad range of primary and specialty medical services in support of more than 27,000 beneficiaries
| Date Taken: | 02.25.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 02.26.2026 13:14 |
| Story ID: | 558928 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 29 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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