Which of the following is a Load-and-Go criterion in trauma?

• A. Unstable vitals, major bleeding, airway compromise, altered mental status, significant MOI
• B. Minor injuries with stable vitals
• C. No airway issues
• D. Mild pain only

Answer: (A)

Load-and-go criteria identify life-threatening conditions that require immediate transport to a trauma center rather than prolonged on-scene treatment. The option listing unstable vitals, major bleeding, airway compromise, altered mental status, and a significant mechanism of injury matches this pattern. Each of those signs signals a high risk of rapid deterioration or severe injury: unstable vitals point to shock or poor perfusion, major bleeding can lead to rapid death if not controlled, airway compromise endangers oxygen delivery, altered mental status may reflect brain injury or serious shock, and a significant mechanism raises suspicion for hidden injuries. Because these conditions demand swift definitive care, this set is the load-and-go criterion. The other scenarios describe stable or non-life-threatening situations—minor injuries with stable vitals, no airway issues, or only mild pain—which do not require urgent on-scene transport to a trauma center.