Question

During an in-service focusing on care of the trauma patient, the medical director asks if anyone can correctly describe the "platinum 10 minutes." Which of the following indicates the best response?

Select one:
a. "If the transport to a trauma center is going to exceed 10 minutes, EMS should strongly consider the use of an aeromedical helicopter."
b. "EMS should initiate transport of the critically injured trauma patient to the hospital within 10 minutes of arriving on scene."
c. "EMS should spend a total of 10 minutes assessing the patient for life-threatening injuries prior to initiating transport to a trauma center."
d. "EMS systems should be designed so that it takes an ambulance no longer than 10 minutes to respond to a trauma call."

Answer 1

The "platinum 10 minutes" refers to a critical EMS guideline that highlights the urgency of beginning transport for a critically injured trauma patient to the hospital within 10 minutes of the EMS's arrival on the scene.

Step-by-step explanation:

The term "platinum 10 minutes" refers to a guideline in emergency medical services (EMS) concerning the care of trauma patients. The correct response to the medical director's question about the "platinum 10 minutes" is:

b. "EMS should initiate transport of the critically injured trauma patient to the hospital within 10 minutes of arriving on scene."

This concept emphasizes the importance of quick assessment and the prompt initiation of transport to a trauma center, to increase the chances of survival and positive outcome for the patient. The reasoning behind this protocol is that in the case of critical injuries, the priority is to get the patient professional medical treatment at a hospital as rapidly as possible.