The Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) program was developed by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Committee on Trauma (COT) and was first introduced in the United States and abroad in 1980. Currently the ATLS is available in over 60 countries. ATLS Region XVI was formed by the COT to unite the ATLS course providers in the Asia Pacific.

National members of Region XVI share a common aim to elevate standards of the early care of the trauma patient in the region through a systematic, concise approach. Annual meetings are held where all members come together to share their insights in overcoming the cultural, geographical, language and other unforeseen barriers to run the course in their country. Our goal is to promulgate the course in more countries in Asia and provide doctors with a common language and approach that can save lives in critical situations.