NAEMT Training Center in Reno
Hinson CPR, formerly Sierra BLS, is an approved National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) Training Center in Reno. We teach the NAEMT catalog for EMS and prehospital providers from Reno, Sparks, Carson City, and across northern Nevada: PHTLS, AMLS, EPC, TECC, GEMS, AHDR, PTEP, and EMS Safety, plus First on the Scene for the public.
- Approved NAEMT Training Center
- CAPCE-accredited CE hours
- Recognized by NREMT
Approved NAEMT Training Center
Proud to train to the NAEMT standard
We are proud to be approved by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians as a recognized NAEMT Training Center.
This approval reflects our commitment to excellent emergency medical education and confirms that our NAEMT programs meet the standards NAEMT sets for its training centers. As an NAEMT Training Center, we offer recognized courses that build the knowledge, skills, and confidence of EMS professionals.
Whether you are starting your EMS career or adding to years in the field, NAEMT education supports your growth every step of the way. Our catalog runs from trauma and medical assessment to pediatrics, geriatrics, disaster response, tactical casualty care, provider safety, and the psychological side of patient care.
Hinson CPR, formerly Sierra BLS, Reno, Nevada
Why it matters
What it means for your training
NAEMT-approved instructors
Every NAEMT course here is taught by instructors NAEMT has approved and monitored, using NAEMT's current course materials.
Real medical oversight
NAEMT approves and monitors its training centers, and each one works under a qualified medical director.
CE hours that count
NAEMT courses are CAPCE accredited, with one CE hour for every course hour, and recognized by the National Registry (NREMT) for recertification.
A provider card good for 4 years
Finish an NAEMT provider course such as PHTLS, AMLS, EPC, TECC, GEMS, AHDR, PTEP, or EMS Safety and you receive an NAEMT certificate and a provider card valid for 4 years, plus a free one-year introductory NAEMT membership.
Our flagship NAEMT course
Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS)
PHTLS is NAEMT's flagship trauma course and one of the most widely taught prehospital trauma programs in the world. NAEMT develops it with the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma, which provides medical direction, and the course is now in its 10th edition. PHTLS builds critical thinking and rapid assessment so you make better decisions for trauma patients in the field.
About NAEMT
NAEMT and its courses
The National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians is a globally recognized organization dedicated to the education, advocacy, and professional development of EMS practitioners. Founded in 1975, NAEMT sets the standard for evidence-based training that prepares EMS professionals to deliver lifesaving care, and its courses are taught in more than 90 countries.
NAEMT courses fall into a few families. Every course marked Taught here has its own page with dates, prerequisites, and what to bring. PHTLS runs on a regular schedule; the rest are scheduled on request for agencies, crews, and groups, and we post open-enrollment dates as they are set.
Trauma
Taught herePHTLS, Prehospital Trauma Life SupportTrauma assessment and care for EMS, nurses, and other prehospital providers. 16-hour provider course, 8-hour refresher.See the PHTLS courseTaught hereTECC, Tactical Emergency Casualty CareCasualty care in active threat and other high-threat incidents for EMS, fire, and law enforcement. 16-hour course.See the TECC courseTaught hereAHDR, All Hazards Disaster ResponseDisaster triage, mass casualty response, and incident command for EMS. 8-hour course.See the AHDR course- PHTLS for First RespondersAn 8-hour version for EMRs, firefighters, and law enforcement. Ask us to schedule one for your agency.
- TCCC, Tactical Combat Casualty CareBattlefield trauma care built on Department of Defense guidelines. Not currently offered.
Medical
Taught hereAMLS, Advanced Medical Life SupportA systematic approach to assessing and managing the undifferentiated medical patient. 16-hour provider course.See the AMLS courseTaught hereEPC, Emergency Pediatric CarePrehospital care for sick and injured children, built around the Pediatric Assessment Triangle. 16-hour provider course.See the EPC courseTaught hereGEMS, Geriatric Education for EMSCaring for older adults, developed with the American Geriatrics Society. 8-hour core course.See the GEMS courseTaught herePTEP, Psychological Trauma in EMS PatientsRecognizing and easing a patient's fear and distress during an emergency. 8-hour course.See the PTEP courseOperations and wellness
Taught hereEMS SafetyProtecting yourself, your crew, and your patients on the job: scene, roadway, vehicle, and lifting safety. 8-hour course.See the EMS Safety course- EVOS, EMS Vehicle Operator SafetySafer ambulance driving and transport. Not currently offered.
- MHRO, Mental Health Resilience OfficerBuilding mental health resilience inside an EMS agency. Not currently offered.
- PEPL, Principles of Ethics and Personal LeadershipEthics, communication, and leadership for EMS at every level. Not currently offered.
Public and refreshers
Taught hereFirst on the Scene (FOTS)Developed by NAEMT and the International Association of Fire Chiefs for the public: CPR and AED, bleeding control, naloxone, and more. 4-hour class, no medical background needed.See the First on the Scene course- Paramedic, AEMT, and EMT refreshersClassroom or virtual refreshers built from NAEMT courses to meet the national component of NREMT recertification. Ask about a refresher built around the courses above.
Want another NAEMT course for your agency or crew? Tell us which one. Requests help us decide what to add next.
Text (775) 235-2117Frequently asked questions
NAEMT course questions, answered
Which NAEMT courses do you teach?
We teach PHTLS, AMLS, EPC, TECC, GEMS, AHDR, PTEP, and EMS Safety for EMS and healthcare providers, and First on the Scene for the public. PHTLS runs on a regular schedule. The other courses are scheduled on request for agencies, crews, and groups, and we post open-enrollment dates as they are set. Each course has its own page with prerequisites and what to bring.
How do I set up a course for my agency or crew?
Text (775) 235-2117 or email Info@HinsonCPR.com with the course you want, how many students you have, and the dates that work for you. We can teach at our Reno classroom or, for most courses, at your station or facility. We will confirm a date and send you the registration link.
Do NAEMT courses count toward NREMT recertification?
Yes. NAEMT courses are CAPCE accredited, with one CE hour for every course hour, and the National Registry recognizes them for recertification. First on the Scene is a public course and does not carry CE hours.
What is the PHTLS course?
PHTLS (Prehospital Trauma Life Support) is an internationally recognized continuing education course developed by NAEMT in cooperation with the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma. It is designed to improve the quality of trauma care in the prehospital environment. See the PHTLS course page
Who should take PHTLS?
The course is built for EMTs, paramedics, critical care nurses, flight medics and flight nurses, military medics, and other prehospital providers involved in trauma care.
Is PHTLS accredited?
Yes. PHTLS is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Prehospital Continuing Education (CAPCE) and recognized by the National Registry of EMTs (NREMT) for continuing education hours.
What certification will I receive?
When you successfully complete the course, you receive an official PHTLS Provider card from NAEMT, valid for 4 years.
What topics does PHTLS cover?
Key topics include scene assessment and safety, kinematics of trauma, airway and ventilation management, hemorrhage control and shock recognition, rapid trauma assessment, and care for burns, head injuries, spinal trauma, and pediatric trauma.
How long is the PHTLS course?
The provider course is 16 hours, typically over 2 days. The refresher course is 8 hours and is for current PHTLS cardholders.
What are the prerequisites?
You need a valid EMT, AEMT, paramedic, RN, or equivalent license or certification, along with a basic knowledge of prehospital care.
How do I prepare for class?
Plan to complete the pre-course reading from the official PHTLS textbook. You may also need to pass a pre-test before class. We send the details after you register.
What should I bring to class?
Bring a government-issued photo ID, your current healthcare provider license or certification, the PHTLS textbook, and a pen and notebook for notes.
How do I register?
Registration is online only. Pick a date on the course page and complete your registration through our secure registration system. We do not take registrations or payments over the phone. For courses scheduled on request, text us and we will set a date and send you the registration link. See the full class schedule
What is your refund and reschedule policy?
Every registration follows our class terms, which cover our no-refund policy and reschedule fees. Email Info@HinsonCPR.com with any questions. Read our terms and conditions
What is the difference between PHTLS and ITLS?
PHTLS and ITLS (International Trauma Life Support) are both trauma courses for prehospital providers. They come from different organizations and differ slightly in teaching style and philosophy.
PHTLS
Developed by
NAEMT, in cooperation with the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma
Philosophy
Critical thinking and decision-making over rigid protocols
Teaching approach
Adapt care to the scenario and the patient's needs
Often preferred by
Agencies aligned with NAEMT or ACS standards
Card valid for
4 years
ITLS
Developed by
International Trauma Life Support organization
Philosophy
A structured, algorithm-based trauma assessment and management
Teaching approach
A step-by-step, systematic trauma care model
Often preferred by
Some EMS systems and many international providers
Card valid for
3 years in most areas
Which one should I take?
Both are high-quality, evidence-based courses that will sharpen your trauma care. The best choice usually comes down to your employer's preference, local protocols, or how you like to learn. Some providers take both for a broader perspective.
I have an ITLS card. Can I take the PHTLS refresher?
Possibly. NAEMT allows the 8-hour PHTLS refresher for people who completed the PHTLS provider course, or an equivalent course such as ITLS, within the past 4 years. Text us at (775) 235-2117 before you register so we can confirm the right course for you.
Ready for your next NAEMT course?
Pick a PHTLS date and register online, or text us to schedule AMLS, EPC, TECC, GEMS, AHDR, PTEP, EMS Safety, or First on the Scene for your agency, crew, or group.