European Trauma Course

The European Trauma Course (ETC) provides state-of-the-art trauma training with a strong focus on teamwork, leadership and non-technical skills.

The European Trauma Course (ETC) is an innovative 2.5-day programme for doctors and other highly qualified healthcare professionals involved in the acute care of major trauma patients.

It is a joint initiative of the ERC, the European Society of Anaesthesiology (ESA), the European Society for Trauma and Emergency Surgery (ESTES), and the European Society for Emergency Medicine (EuSEM).

The ETC is highly practical: candidates spend 85% of the time in scenario-based workshops, simulating typical major trauma admissions in a shock-room environment. Training focuses on advanced trauma management, decision-making under pressure, and effective communication across disciplines.

The ETC is an advanced course for professionals with experience in treating major trauma patients. It provides intensive, hands-on training to improve both clinical and non-technical trauma care skills.

Characteristics

Target audience: Doctors of all specialties and other highly qualified healthcare professionals (e.g. advanced nurse practitioners, critical care paramedics) involved in major trauma care
Hands-on part: 2.5 days
Certificate validity: 5 years

Learned skills

Team approach & leadership

Trauma team leadership and task allocation
Roles and responsibilities of team members
Communication within the team and with non-medical staff, patients, families, and specialists

Resuscitation skills

Patient assessment and prioritisation
Airway management
Recognition and treatment of shock
Management of traumatic brain, thoracic, abdominal, pelvic, spinal, extremity, and thermal injuries
Interpretation of X-ray and CT scans

Advanced knowledge & decision-making