Can heroic roadside care save lives?

Abstract

Prehospital emergency care is an important part of trauma systems across the USA and the world. From a once 'load and go' service, the provider's skillsets and scope of practice have evolved to include multiple procedures that can be performed in the field. It is still debated if performing some prehospital procedures contributes to improved patient outcomes after traumatic injury and saves lives. The topic was debated at the 40th Annual Point/Counterpoint Acute Care Surgery Conference. Level of evidence: III.