Which of the following is a Major Trauma Victim criterion based on the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)?

Prepare for the Santa Clara County EMS Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each featuring hints and explanations. Ensure your success on exam day!

The appropriate criterion for identifying a Major Trauma Victim based on the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is a score of less than 14. The GCS is a clinical scale used to assess a patient’s level of consciousness, focusing on three aspects: eye opening, verbal response, and motor response. A lower GCS score indicates a more impaired level of consciousness, which often correlates with the severity of trauma and associated brain injuries.

A score of less than 14 signifies that the patient is experiencing some level of altered mental status, which is an important indicator in trauma assessment. This threshold is crucial for triage decisions, as it helps determine the urgency and level of care needed for the patient. In many trauma protocols, a GCS below this level warrants more intensive evaluation and possibly advanced interventions.

Understanding this criterion is essential for first responders and healthcare professionals in the field, as it directly impacts their approach to treatment and transport decisions for trauma victims.

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