Home > Golden hour

1 Origins

This concept comes from US military wartime experience, particularly in the Vietnam War. In cases of severe trauma, especially internal bleeding, nothing can replace surgery. It is therefore necessary to transport victims as fast as possible to a trauma center.

2 Basics

2.1 Prehospital Care

Prehospital care is limited to the minimum, i.e.

• A.B.C (airway, breathing, circulation)
• cover wounds
• realign ("reduce") broken limbs
• protect the spine.

Inserting an intravenous drip must be fast and not delay transportation.

2.2 Hospital Selection

The ambulance must transport the victim to the hospital with the facilities to treat the patient. This is not always the closest hospital, as the closest hospital may lack the facilities or may be overwelmed by other victims from the same incident (see also triage).

2.3 Limited Examination

Third point, only limited examination in the emergency department. If there is no evidence for surgical intervention, only three radiographs should be performed: lungs, spine and pelvis.

2.4 Summary

The golden hour can be summarized by the 3R rule of Trunkey:

• Right patient
• Right place
• Right time

3 Transports

4 See also:

• medical emergency
• emergency medical serviceEmergency medical service (EMS) is a branch of medicine that is performed in the field (i. the streets, peoples' homes, etc. by paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and certified first responders (CFRs). Although not commonly understood, EMS
• emergency room
• trauma center