Which mechanism of injury indicates a "load and go" situation?

A "load and go" situation refers to a scenario where a patient's condition is critical enough to necessitate immediate transport to a medical facility, rather than spending time on scene providing advanced care. In this context, a mechanism of injury such as bilateral femur fractures signifies significant trauma, often indicative of potential complications like internal bleeding, shock, or other serious injuries. The presence of multiple fractures in the lower limbs can drastically affect the patient's stability and vital signs, highlighting the urgency for rapid transport.

In contrast, a single femur fracture, a penetrating wound to the abdomen, and a minor laceration may not inherently warrant such immediate transport. While a penetrating wound to the abdomen can be serious and does require prompt attention, it may not automatically trigger a "load and go" unless accompanied by signs of critical instability. A single femur fracture and a minor laceration typically allow for stabilizing measures to be performed beforehand without jeopardizing the patient's condition, making immediate transport less urgent.