[Critically Ill prehospital patients : direct admission to intensive care unit ?].

Reducing wait times for critical care is a major organizational challenge. Several studies suggest an association between delayed admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) and a poor prognosis in critically ill patients. The Swiss healthcare system, characterized by advanced prehospital medical care and specialized care pathways that are already operational, provides a favorable context for establishing direct or expedited pathways to ICUs starting from the prehospital care phase. However, this approach raises significant challenges related to over-triage, resource availability, and the safety of prehospital orientation. This article reflects on the potential benefits, limitations, and necessary conditions for such a model in the Swiss context.