Organization and implementation of emergency services in the treatment of major trauma

Peak medical care for heavy trauma involves a multifaceted approach. Time is the overriding factor in the successful care of these patients, so that a short access time to emergency services is crucial. A well-trained ambulance crew must be involved and should have access to emergency physicians in selected cases. Respiratory and cardiac function must be optimized, shock must be alleviated, and the sites of trauma must be immobilized or otherwise controlled. Finally, the patient should be transported to a center with an emergency department that has the ability to function as a 24-h trauma center.