The process of moving an injured person to a hospital or other treatment center. In serious injuries such as cranial and spinal trauma, airway compromise, and hemorrhage, the patient should be moved by properly trained support personnel with equipment to stabilize vital structures and prevent further injury. In particular, the airway should be secured, ventilation provided, circulation supported, and the spine protected from injury with specially designed appliances. It is crucial that critically injured persons receive definitive care within the first hour of their injury to optimize their chances of survival. Patients with lesser injuries whose vital signs are relatively stable may be transported by ambulance litter, private vehicle, or wheelchair, or by means listed here.