Intermediate
Technical
IVT
golden hour
The critical first hour after severe trauma when immediate intervention has the greatest impact on patient survival.
Full Definition
The golden hour concept in trauma care refers to the first 60 minutes following major injury, during which rapid assessment, resuscitation, and surgical intervention can dramatically improve patient outcomes. In orthopedic trauma, this timeframe is particularly relevant for addressing life-threatening injuries such as pelvic fractures with hemorrhage, open fractures requiring urgent debridement, or fractures associated with vascular compromise.
Usage
Usage note: Always lowercase unless beginning a sentence; metaphorical term that should not be confused with actual photography terminology.
In Context
- "The patient arrived within the golden hour, allowing for immediate damage control surgery." — Emergency department note
- "Golden hour protocols emphasize rapid hemorrhage control in pelvic trauma cases." — Trauma protocol
Also known as
first hour
critical hour
Don't confuse with
platinum ten minutes
silver day