Ask your Doc: How is 1st hour important for trauma victims?

How is the first hour important for trauma victims?

— Jayaram K, a resident of T Nagar

The crucial period during trauma is the first hour, which is also called the golden hour among emergency physicians. The major cause of death following trauma is from airway obstruction, blood loss from injuries and spine injuries. The most important thing to do in the scene of an accident is to protect the patient’s airway, immobilize the spine of the patient and to apply pressure on any major bleeding site. If proper care is given to the patient in the first hour of trauma, it can increase his/ her chance of survival.

—Dr Shameem K U, Consultant and Coordinator, Emergency Medicine, KIMSHEALTH