{"id":50789,"date":"2025-11-11T08:00:45","date_gmt":"2025-11-11T07:00:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.stem.it\/?p=50789"},"modified":"2025-11-14T15:29:29","modified_gmt":"2025-11-14T14:29:29","slug":"polytrauma-from-field-intervention-to-patient-stabilization","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stem.it\/en\/community\/polytrauma-from-field-intervention-to-patient-stabilization\/","title":{"rendered":"Polytrauma: from field intervention to patient stabilization"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In Europe, trauma is the leading cause of death among people under forty and one of the main causes of permanent disability. Every year, thousands of people lose their lives to multiple injuries that, in many cases, could be successfully treated through prompt and coordinated action. In emergency medicine, this condition is known as polytrauma<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is polytrauma<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A patient is considered polytraumatized when they suffer severe injuries in multiple body regions<\/strong>, at least one of which is potentially life-threatening. It is a condition that demands an immediate, multidisciplinary approach based on precise protocols and a chain of interventions that accompanies the patient from the accident site to hospital stabilization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Polytrauma patients fall into the category of \u201cseverely injured.\u201d The most frequent causes include road traffic accidents<\/strong>, followed by falls from height<\/strong>, occupational injuries<\/strong>, sports accidents<\/strong>, and high-energy events<\/strong> such as explosions or crush injuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main stages in polytrauma management are four:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Pre-hospital phase<\/strong> and on-scene rescue<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Transport<\/strong> to the designated trauma center<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Hospital admission <\/strong>and trauma team activation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Stabilization <\/strong>and recovery<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
    \"rescuer-secures-the-straps-of-an-immobilization-device\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. <\/strong>Pre-hospital phase and on-scene rescue<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The first link in the chain of survival is pre-hospital care\u2014the most delicate phase, where every decision directly influences the outcome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The guiding principle is that of the Golden Hour<\/strong><\/em>, the crucial \u201chour\u201d between the traumatic event and hospital treatment. Within this window, every minute counts: recognizing, treating, and transporting the patient rapidly to the most appropriate facility can make the difference between life and death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    At the scene, the rescue team\u2014composed of volunteers, nurses, and physicians\u2014first secures the area, protecting themselves and others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The next step is the primary survey<\/strong><\/em>, conducted according to the ABCDE<\/strong> protocol: Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability (neurological status), and Exposure. This precise sequence follows a fundamental rule: vital functions come first\u2014everything else comes after.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In recent years, protocols have introduced an important change: the immediate control of massive hemorrhage<\/strong>. Stopping external bleeding using a tourniquet, hemostatic dressing, or pressure bandage can save a life even before hospital arrival.
    At the same time, fractured limbs are immobilized, and spinal protection is ensured using cervical collars, spinal boards, or vacuum mattresses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Once the patient is stabilized, transport to the most suitable facility is arranged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"paramedics-fasten-a-patient-with-safety-straps\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2. Transport to the trauma center<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    During transport, the crew continuously monitors vital signs<\/strong>\u2014blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and level of consciousness\u2014and provides targeted therapy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Another top priority is temperature control. Hypothermia is one of the three components of the lethal triad<\/strong><\/em>, along with acidosis and coagulopathy, which rapidly worsen a patient\u2019s condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Modern ambulances are true mobile intensive care units<\/strong>, equipped with multi-parameter monitors, portable ventilators, infusion pumps, and communication systems that allow real-time transmission of clinical data to the receiving emergency department. This enables the trauma team to prepare before the patient arrives<\/strong>, reducing response times and improving prognosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Stem’s Contribution<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Another crucial factor in this phase is minimizing vibrations<\/strong>, which can increase pain and stress, especially in cases of major trauma. In this field, Stem<\/strong> designs and manufactures shock-absorbing stretcher supports<\/strong><\/a> that significantly improve comfort and safety during transport by reducing the vibrations caused by bumps and uneven roads.
    Thanks to systems such as     Eden-XP<\/a>, Eden-BS8<\/a>, Eden HV-2000<\/a>, Optimus-XP<\/a><\/strong>, and\u2014 for maritime transfers\u2014 Mast 25<\/a><\/strong>, patients experience a more stable and controlled journey, with less mechanical stress and better pain control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    One testimony comes from Davide Villa<\/strong>, who in 2018 was involved in a serious road accident resulting in multiple fractures to his right leg. Throughout his rehabilitation\u201426 sessions in total\u2014he was transported by SOS Pavese<\/strong> ambulances equipped with Stem\u2019s shock-absorbing supports, including Eden<\/em><\/strong>, and the assisted loading system Sherpa<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cThe amount of vibration transmitted to my leg,\u201d Davide recounts, \u201cwas noticeably lower compared to traditional transports. Even acoustically, the difference is clear. You can face these essential transfers more calmly, without heightened anxiety or excessive stress.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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