The Golden Hour in Trauma Care: Why Every Minute Counts By Dr. Kashyap Solanki – Orthopaedic & Trauma Surgeon, Mumbai.

In trauma care, time truly saves lives. The term “Golden Hour” refers to the crucial first 60 minutes after a severe injury, when timely medical intervention can dramatically improve survival and recovery outcomes.

Whether it’s a road accident, fall, or high-impact injury — every minute lost can lead to irreversible damage.

What Is the Golden Hour?

The Golden Hour is the critical window immediately after trauma when:

• Bleeding needs to be controlled

• Airway and breathing must be secured

• Fractures and internal injuries should be stabilized

Studies have shown that patients treated within this hour have a significantly higher chance of survival and better recovery compared to those who reach the hospital later.

Why It Matters

After trauma, the body undergoes shock, blood loss, and tissue injury. Without immediate medical care:

• Oxygen supply to vital organs decreases

• Blood pressure drops

• Irreversible organ failure can set in

Quick resuscitation and stabilization during this golden window can prevent multi-organ failure and long-term disability.

The Steps That Save Lives

1. Early Recognition: Identify serious injuries quickly.

2. Immediate First Aid: Control bleeding, keep airway clear, and immobilize fractures.

3. Rapid Transport: Shift the patient safely to the nearest trauma center — not necessarily the nearest clinic.

4. Hospital Protocols: Trained trauma teams begin fluid resuscitation, imaging, and emergency surgery if needed.

Role of the Orthopaedic Trauma Surgeon

Orthopaedic surgeons play a vital role in the early management of:

• Open and closed fractures

• Polytrauma with pelvic or limb injuries

• Spinal and joint trauma

Stabilizing fractures early not only reduces pain and blood loss but also helps in faster mobilization and recovery.

What You Can Do as a Bystander

• Call emergency services (108 or 112) immediately.

• Avoid moving the injured person unnecessarily.

• Control visible bleeding with pressure.

• Keep the person warm and reassured until help arrives.

Dr. Kashyap Solanki’s Message

As a trauma surgeon, I’ve witnessed how timely first aid and quick hospital transfer can be the difference between life and loss. The Golden Hour is not just a medical concept — it’s a race against time that every second counts in.

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About Dr. Kashyap Prabhu Solanki & Dr. Prabhu Solanki

Orthopaedic Surgeon – Andheri, Mumbai

Dr. Kashyap Solanki specializes in hip and knee replacement, robotic-assisted knee surgery, and joint preservation procedures like HTO, arthroscopy, and ligament reconstruction. He is also known for performing complex revision joint replacements and managing challenging upper and lower limb fractures. With a focus on precision and patient-centered care, Dr. Solanki helps restore mobility and improve quality of life through advanced orthopaedic solutions.

With over four decades of distinguished orthopaedic practice, Dr. Prabhu Solanki stands as one of Mumbai’s most experienced and respected orthopaedic surgeons. Having treated more than 40,000 patients and performed over 10,000 surgeries, his clinical outcomes and dedication have earned him widespread recognition — not just in Mumbai, but across India and abroad.

Dr. Solanki’s reputation for precision, ethical care, and long-term results has brought him patients from all over India, as well as international patients seeking high-quality orthopaedic treatment and surgical expertise in Mumbai.

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