A PERSON IS SHOT AND NEEDS TO GET TO A HOSPITAL

Their friend is trying to figure out the quickest way to get them there and needs to choose among two options:

OPTION 1:

OPTION 2:

OPTION 1: THE PATIENT'S FRIEND CALLS AN AMBULANCE

Paramedics and other EMS clinicians arrive to quickly stabilize the patient and stop the bleeding as much as they can.

EMS triages the patient to the nearest hospital with a designated trauma center, where the patient will be able to receive specialized care.

Quick access to treatment at a designated trauma center is vital for the survival of someone with a penetrating traumatic injury like a gunshot victim.

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But what if the friend decides to drive the victim?

OPTION 2: THE PATIENT'S FRIEND DECIDES TO DRIVE THEM

If the hospital has a designated trauma center, the patient will get needed specialized care upon arrival.

If, like most hospitals, the facility doesn't have a trauma center then it’s likely the patient will be stabilized as much as possible while an ambulance is called to transfer them to the nearest facility with a trauma center.

Meanwhile vital time will have been lost. Delays in accessing proper trauma care immediately after an injury have been associated with higher mortality rates.

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But what if the friend decides to call an ambulance?