The golden hour: why is it so crucial?

What is the golden hour in an accident?

The golden hour is the critical one-hour period following a traffic accident, during which time rapid response by emergency services can be decisive in terms of saving lives. When a person is seriously injured in a crash, every minute counts; the sooner they receive medical attention, the better their chances of survival and recovery.

The concept of the “golden hour” was introduced in 1960 by Dr. Adam Cowley, who stressed how important the first 60 minutes are when it comes to life or death. Even if a fatal outcome is not immediate, without rapid action it is possible that irreversible damage to the body may be triggered. This principle does not only apply to traffic accidents; it is also pertinent in medical emergencies, like stroke or severe trauma situations, where response time is critical.

Why is the golden hour crucial in accidents?

In an accident, the golden hour is crucial because it represents the window of time where medical care has the greatest impact on the outcome of the injuries. Within this 60-minute period, emergency services can stabilize the injured person, stop any bleeding, treat serious injuries, and transport the casualty to a specialized hospital, where they will receive the care necessary to survive and recover.

During this period, the accident victim’s body is in an extremely vulnerable state. Internal injuries, bleeding and other trauma can quickly escalate if not addressed in time. According to studies, the probability of surviving serious injuries decreases considerably when this hour elapses with no medical care. That is why the golden hour is vital not only in terms of saving lives but also for reducing the risk of complications and long-term consequences.

What does the emergency team do during the golden hour?

When emergency services arrive at the scene of an accident, their priority is to act quickly and effectively to make the most of the golden hour. The steps they follow are designed to stabilize and protect the injured person in the shortest possible time:

1. Rapid access to victims: The emergency team makes sure they get to the victims as quickly as possible by removing any obstacles that may delay care, such as cars blocking access or unstable structures.
2. Initial assessment and stabilization: Emergency personnel identify life-threatening injuries, such as severe bleeding or respiratory distress. This step is critical, as the priority is to control these injuries and stabilize the patient before they are transported.
3. Preparation and transport to the hospital: Once the most critical injuries have been stabilized, the emergency team transports the victims to the nearest appropriate hospital. This transfer is performed quickly and safely, ensuring that the patient receives the necessary specialized treatment within one hour of the accident.

Thanks to the introduction of these procedures, the evacuation and care model developed by Dr. Cowley has been instrumental in improving the response to traffic accidents, saving thousands of lives and reducing permanent consequences.

Understanding the importance of the golden hour in emergency situations

It is essential that both drivers and pedestrians understand the importance of the golden hour and know how to act in emergency situations. In the event of an accident, applying the SAFE (Secure, Alert, Follow) protocol can make a significant difference:

• Secure: The first thing is to secure the accident area to avoid further incidents. This involves marking the scene in a way that is visible to other drivers, protecting both the casualties and witnesses at the scene.
• Alert: Call the emergency number (112  in Spain) and provide clear details about the exact location of the accident, the number of victims and their condition. This step is key as it gives the emergency services the information they need to dispatch the appropriate emergency response resources.
• Follow: While emergency services are on their way, following the instructions of the 112 telephone operator is crucial. Avoid moving victims unless they are in imminent danger, as moving them incorrectly could aggravate their injuries.

Knowing these steps and being prepared to act in the event of an emergency could help ensure that any casualties receive the necessary care within the golden hour, optimizing their chances of survival.

Conclusions on the golden hour in accident care

The golden hour is a fundamental concept in road safety and emergency medical care, representing the critical window of time during which prompt and efficient care can save lives. Since its introduction in the 1960s, the concept has influenced the way emergency services respond to traffic accidents and high-risk situations.

Today, thanks to advances in emergency and rapid transport protocols, the model developed by Dr. Cowley remains essential for protecting accident victims. However, the responsibility does not lie solely with the emergency services; every individual can help ensure that the golden hour continues to be effective. Understanding the impact of health on road safety and knowing how to act in an emergency situation can make a difference to the survival of any casualties.