These words are rarely used by physicians and probably have very different meanings when physicians discuss patients with each other or with relatives. The condition of a patient, especially someone who has suffered serious trauma in a major accident or crime, may be a complicated determination, experts said. Many different criteria must be weighed. And it is often up to a hospital spokesperson or emergency rescue officials, who may only be getting the most fragmentary reports from the emergency room, to deal with the press about the situation. Generally, they look to some basic criteria.
Patient is conscious and comfortable.
Indicators are excellent. Patient is conscious, but may be uncomfortable. Patient may be unconscious. Patient may be unconscious. That is good advice, said Barbara Ware, director of media relations at the Washington Hospital Center in the District.