ETC | ETC Dublin

The European Trauma Course (ETC) includes both ETC & TSP courses, which are run in parallel with candidates taught together, replicating the standard trauma team and ensuring shared learning and a team approach to trauma care. During the course, participants work through 30 scenarios, each built around defined learning objectives that reflect the full range of trauma practice. Training takes place almost entirely in small multidisciplinary groups designed to mirror real trauma teams, bringing together physicians and Trauma Support Practitioners from different specialties.

Active involvement in the course is essential—scenarios rely on participants fully engaging in their roles to create authentic clinical scenarios and support skills development and decision-making. As the course is delivered through simulation and debrief rather than traditional lectures, prior reading of the ETC manual is required before attendance so all candidates are prepare for the course.

Trauma Support Practitioners (TSPs) include all healthcare professionals involved in the care of trauma patients who are not in primary medical roles, normally from nursing or paramedic backgrounds with experience in emergency and/or critical care. During the course, TSPs focus primarily on supporting the trauma team from within the team structure. This includes tasks such as applying patient monitoring, coordinating communication, mobilising resources, and assisting the team leader through accurate documentation. TSPs may also rotate through other team roles in which they take primary responsibility for specific aspects of resuscitation.

Trauma Support Practitioners are continually assessed throughout the first two days of the course during all scenarios and workshops. On Day 3 they consolidate this learning through the transfer workshop and by participating fully in the assessment scenarios, where their contribution is central to effective team performance.

Upon successful completion of the course, participants receive formal certification valid for 5 years.

The European Trauma Course is taught over 2½ days and is attended by 24 ETC candidates, up to12 TSP candidates, and between 12 and 18 instructors.

During the first two days, the program includes a faculty demonstration, two interactive lectures, and nine workshops. The final half day includes and additional workshop on patient transfer and the summative assessment for ETC candidates, through three additional scenarios.

Workshops form the core of the course and focus on key aspects of acute trauma care, together covering the full spectrum of trauma management. Each workshop involves six participants—four ETC candidates and two TSP candidates—supported by two to three instructors.

Learning within each workshop is structured around three to four Trauma Admission Scenarios, each with clearly defined objectives. These address psychomotor skills, clinical knowledge, and technical procedures, as well as teamwork, communication, and other non-technical skills commonly required during trauma care.

The European Trauma Course views each course as a shared learning experience. Participants are encouraged to contribute actively and share their own expertise throughout the program.

ETC candidates with a minimum of 2 years experience in trauma are welcome to apply for the ETC. We are a multi-disciplinary course and accept all specialities regularly involved in trauma reception, including trauma surgery, emergency medicine, prehospital care, anaesthesia, and intensive care. Any other relevant experience is also welcomed.

The course covers both technical and non-technical skills, and candidates take on a variety of team roles, working both as team members responsible for specific aspects of resuscitation, and as team leaders coordinating the overall response. Each scenario is followed by debriefing, ensuring participants gain actionable insights and confidence in all team roles.

Full attendance is required to complete the ETC. Candidates are continuously assessed during scenarios, with feedback on teamwork, communication, leadership, and practical skills. On the final day ETC candidates must pass a scenario based summative assessment, focusing on team performance, leadership, and trauma knowledge and skills. There is no written theoretical assessment.

On successful completion candidates are issued a certificate, valid for five years.

European Trauma Course

European Trauma Course

European Trauma Course

European Trauma Course

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