Golden Hour: The First Crucial 60 Minutes

Dr.Shaarang Sachdev, 2 mins read

In our daily lives, we often come across heart-wrenching death cases due to tragic accidents. The sobering reality is that many of these lives could have been saved if timely action had been taken to take them to a hospital. This urgency extends beyond road accidents.

There are numerous medical emergencies where prompt hospitalisation can make all the difference in patient outcomes. It's a stark reminder of the critical importance of swift response in the face of danger. 

This guide will discuss the importance of the golden hour, i.e., 60 minutes, in saving lives. So, let’s know and take action.

What Is Golden Hour?

In the aftermath of an accident, every minute is vital. The sooner a victim receives medical attention, the greater their chances of survival and improved prognosis. Recognising the critical nature of time, the concept of the Golden Hour has been developed.

The Golden Hour refers to the crucial sixty minutes following a traumatic event. This pivotal period allows for rapid intervention by medical teams, which can be the deciding factor in saving countless lives. The term was first introduced by Dr. Adam Cowley in 1960, highlighting its profound impact on emergency medicine.

During this hour, many patients are often in a state of extreme crisis. Internal injuries, uncontrolled bleeding, and various traumatic conditions can swiftly deteriorate, leading to dire outcomes if not addressed promptly. 

With the framework of the Golden Hour in mind, emergency services are equipped to provide essential first aid, stabilise the injured individual, control bleeding, and transport the patient to a medical facility without delay. This crucial window of intervention is instrumental in averting further complications and enhancing survival rates.

What Does an Emergency Team Do During Golden Hour?

When the emergency team reaches the scene of the accident, their first priority is to act promptly and make the most of the Golden Hour. There are some common steps to stabilise and protect the patients. 

Rapid access to victims

The first priority of the emergency team is to reach the patient by removing any obstacles that come across to reach the patient properly. For example, opening the blocked door of the car. 

Assessment and stabilisation

The next thing that comes is an initial assessment of the injury, breathing problems, and bleeding. After assessing the patient’s overall condition, the emergency team works to control the injury and stabilise the patient before transportation to the hospital. 

Preparation and transportation to the hospital 

After stabilising the patient and controlling the injuries assessed in the initial assessment, the patient is transported to the nearest hospital. The transfer is quick to ensure that the patient receives essential treatment early.