Are open fractures always considered a load and go situation?

Open fractures are not always considered a load and go situation. In emergency medical care, the principle of "load and go" refers to situations where a patient requires immediate transport to advanced medical care due to the severity of their injuries. While open fractures indicate that the bone has broken through the skin and typically carry a risk of infection and further complications, the decision to implement a load and go approach depends on various factors.

For instance, if the open fracture is stable, the patient's vital signs are stable, and they do not present with other life-threatening injuries, it may be appropriate to manage the situation on-site before transport. In contrast, if an open fracture is associated with severe bleeding, compromised circulation, or other critical injuries, then it would indeed necessitate rapid transport to medical facilities.

In summary, while open fractures are serious injuries requiring prompt medical attention, they do not automatically warrant a load and go approach unless other circumstances—such as the patient's overall stability—dictate this course of action.