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NDLS program brochure
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From the AMA
Your best resource when preparing for the worst.
In 2003, the American Medical Association (AMA), in partnership with four major medical centers and three national health organizations, established the National Disaster Life Support (NDLS) training program to better prepare health care professionals and emergency response personnel for mass casualty events. The overarching goal is to standardize emergency response training nationwide and strengthen our nation’s public health system.
The NDLS courses stress a comprehensive all-hazards approach to help physicians and other health professionals deal with catastrophic emergencies from terrorist acts as well as from explosions, fires, natural disasters (such as hurricanes and floods), and infectious diseases, which are much more likely to occur.
In large-scale mass casualty events, physicians and other health care workers must be knowledgeable of the need for efficient coordination among local, state, and federal emergency response efforts; how to protect themselves and others from further harm; how to communicate effectively with other emergency personnel and the media; and how to address the unique psychological impacts and related social chaos that may ensue. By completing these courses, clinicians will better understand their integrated roles in the broader disaster response system.
The National Disaster Life Support Program courses were developed by the American Medical Association in collaboration with the National Disaster Life Support Education Consortium partners:
- Medical College of Georgia
- University of Georgia
- University of Texas
- Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas
- School of Public Health Houston
For more information on the NDLS Program please send an e-mail to disaster.preparedness@ama-assn.org
Core Disaster Life Support (CDLS)
CDLS is an introduction to all-hazards preparedness for basic EMTs, allied health workers and technicians, law enforcement officials, administrators and planners, entry-level Medical Reserve Corps, dentists, pharmacists, office-based physicians and nurses and anyone needing and introductory program.
The American Medical Association is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The American Medical Association designates this educational activity for a maximum of 4.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits TM. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Basic Disaster Life Support (BDLS)
Basic Disaster Life Support is a review of all-hazards topics and includes critical information on the health care professional's role.
The American Medical Association is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The American Medical Association designates this educational activity for a maximum of 7.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits TM. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Advanced Disaster Life Support (ADLS)
ADLS is a more advanced practicum course for trained BDLS providers.
The American Medical Association is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The American Medical Association designates this educational activity for a maximum of 15.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits TM. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Other AMA provided CME activities
Find NDLS courses being offered.
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