The “Golden Hour”: the critical time between injury and life-saving treatment

The “Golden Hour” is the brief, 60-minute window of time in which the lives of a majority of critically injured trauma patients can be saved if effective treatment is provided. The Golden Hour begins at the moment of injury and ends when the necessary, life-saving medical treatment is performed. 

Between these two points in time, emergency services must be contacted (calling 911), an ambulance must be dispatched, and the victim must be stabilized and transported to the trauma center. Trauma is a time-sensitive condition, and there is no time to waste. Intervention within this timeframe helps reduce morbidity and mortality.

Hurley's Level 1 Trauma Center: the area’s only Level 1 trauma center and Michigan’s northernmost facility

The Hurley Level 1 Trauma Center provides immediate response by a highly specialized, in-house team of trauma professionals 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Combining the latest healthcare technology with our exceptional physicians and staff, our Level 1 Trauma Center delivers the highest level of medical care to over 1,600 patients trauma patients throughout Michigan, including both adults and children. Level 1 verification is the highest credential possible from the American College of Surgeons (ACS) for any trauma center. 

The Hurley Level 1 Trauma Center accepts all trauma patients and transfers, regardless of insurance coverage or ability to pay. Our sole mission is to save lives.

Hurley Level 1 Trauma Center 24-Hour Referral Line: (810) 262-4888

Our Trauma Referral Line is always answered by an Emergency Medicine physician who can accept trauma transfers from anywhere. This referral hotline lessens the time spent in arranging transportation to a Trauma Center.