The content and skills presented in ATLS are designed to assist doctors in providing emergency care for trauma patients. The concept of the "golden hour" emphasizes the urgency necessary for successful treatment of injured patients and is not intended to represent a "fixed" time period of 60 minutes. Rather, it is the window of opportunity during which doctors can have a positive impact on the morbidity and mortality associated with injury. The ATLS provides the essential information and skills for doctors to identify and treat life-threatening and potentially life threatening injuries under the extreme pressures associated with the care of these patients in the fast-paced environment and anxiety of trauma room. The ATLS is applicable to clinicians in a variety of clinical situations.