Understanding the Golden Hour in Trauma Care
Question:
Synopsis: During road traffic accidents, intervention done in the first few minutes might determine if the victim will live or die. The main principle in managing the victim at this moment is stabilizing their airway, breathing, and circulation and bring them to the nearest hospital. If this is not possible, a “scoop and run” approach rather than “stay and play” is encouraged.
The concept of “golden hour” implies that the mortality rates increase substantially if efficient care is not provided within 60 minutes after the trauma. On the other hand, patient's chances of survival are greatest if they receive care within this period of time. Hence, this definitive resuscitative trauma care must be initiated within this early window to safe the patient.
Task:
Explain your understanding on “golden hour” in trauma care, and debate this definitive concept by highlighting its implications to the current trauma system.