Ensihoito

Ensihoito, Finnish for prehospital emergency care, refers to the initial medical treatment and stabilization of a person with an acute illness or injury before arrival at hospital. The aim is to preserve life, prevent deterioration, relieve suffering, and facilitate definitive care. It is delivered by emergency medical services personnel such as paramedics and emergency medical technicians, as well as nurses and physicians, and can also be provided by trained laypersons.

Core components include scene safety; rapid assessment; calling for additional help when needed; management of airway, breathing and circulation; control of bleeding; immobilization of suspected injuries; and provision of comfort and monitoring. Use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) and oxygen therapy where appropriate are common. Treatments follow established protocols, and decisions about transport to hospital are made early.

Training and certification vary by country, but basic first aid and prehospital care training is widely taught by organizations such as the Red Cross and national EMS bodies, with continuing education required to maintain competence.

Ensihoito forms the critical bridge between the incident and hospital care, and can significantly affect outcomes in time-sensitive conditions such as cardiac arrest, stroke, trauma, and allergic reactions. It is constrained by the provider's scope of practice, available equipment, and local regulations.