Urban Vs. Wilderness Emergency Care

Urban:

• Within the "Golden Hour"
• Rapid notification to 911
• Rapid response and evacuation: rarely more than a few minutes

Wilderness:

• Beyond the golden hour - the "golden day"
• Delayed notification, may take hours
• Delayed response/evacuation - hours to days

Environment:

Urban:

• Short-term exposure, minimal weather concerns
• Easily controlled environment

Wilderness:

• Long-term exposure and weather concerns
• Dramatic impact on patient care

Hazardous Terrain:

Urban:
Mininal, easily overcome with abundant resources

Wilderness:

• Unavoidable rough handling of patient
• Difficult footing and terrain - may require specialized equipment and rescue skills

Specialized Techniques Not Common in Prehospital Care:

Urban:
Rare, usually not necessary

Wilderness:

• Long-term patient care and management
• Reducing angulated fractures and dislocations
• Bivouac and survival skills