Objective To elucidate the effect of first-aid fast track in triaging earthquake trauma patients by studying the earthquake trauma patients staying in the Emergency Department of West China Hospital after “5?12 Wenchuan Earthquake” so as to accumulate experience in the treatment of disaster traumas. Methods A retrospective study was done on earthquake trauma patients staying in the Emergency Department of West China Hospital after “5?12 Wenchuan Earthquake” from 14:28 May 12, 2008 to 14:27 May 15, 2008. Differences in care given during the time period were analyzed. Results There were 536 earthquake trauma patients in West China Hospital within 72 hours after the earthquake. Twohundred and seven earthquake trauma patients staying in the Emergency Department had an average stay of 129 minutes during the 24 hours after the quake; 104 earthquake trauma patients staying in the Emergency Department had an average stay of 97 minutes in the second 24 hours; and 226 earthquake trauma patients staying in the Emergency Department had an average stay of 86 minutes in the third 24 hours. Each consecutive day showed shorter average stays. Conclusion The first-aid fast track not only guarantees earthquake trauma patients are saved as soon as possible but also shortens the time in the Emergency Department.
