This book is an excellent piece of literature for first responders wanting to expand their knowledge of handling trauma patients.
This book deals with the topic using an entirely new and innovative approach. First, they start talking about the kinematics that result in trauma, and focus on teaching the reader on how interpreting and figuring out the event preceeding the trauma can give a better understanding of the injuries (external and potentially internal) the patient is suffering, and how to care for them, on the pre-hospital environment, without delaying transport to an appropriate medical facility because of executing unnecesary interventions.
The book not only deals with advanced life support procedures, but it deals greatly with basic procedures, so in the end, PHTLS is suitable for ANYONE that works with trauma patients on the pre-hospital environment.
When you buy the PHTLS book, be aware that you are going to read a book made with a totally differente approach. Think later of the methodology of care the PHTLS tries to propagate and you'll find out that, today, it is the best approach available for dealing with trauma patients.
You won't regret this purchase!