Prehospital care refers to the medical assistance provided to patients before they reach a hospital. This care is typically delivered by emergency medical services (EMS) personnel, such as paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Their primary goal is to stabilize patients, manage life-threatening conditions, and transport them safely to a medical facility.
The process of prehospital care includes assessing the patient's condition, administering necessary treatments, and ensuring proper communication with hospital staff. This care can involve basic interventions like CPR, wound care, and oxygen administration, as well as advanced procedures depending on the level of training of the EMS personnel involved.