Palliative Care in Emergency Medicine

Palliative care in emergency medicine focuses on providing comfort and support to patients facing serious illness or traumatic injury. In the context of EMS (Emergency Medical Services) and disaster medicine, it involves assessing and addressing patients' physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, even in crisis situations. This approach prioritizes pain relief, emotional support, and helping families cope, while guiding medical decisions based on the patient’s values and preferences. Essentially, it aims to improve quality of life during emergencies, recognizing that sometimes, the goal may shift from recovery to comfort and dignity.