Crush syndrome can occur when trapped longer than how many hours?

• A. 2
• B. 4
• C. 6
• D. 8

Answer: (B)

The concept being tested is the time frame when crush syndrome risk becomes significant in someone who has been entrapped. Prolonged compression causes ischemia and muscle cell injury; toxins like potassium and myoglobin build up inside the damaged tissue. When circulation is restored (reperfusion) these substances flood the bloodstream, which can trigger life-threatening hyperkalemia and kidney injury. By about four hours of entrapment, the risk is considered enough that crush syndrome can develop, making four hours the best answer. This is why, in the field, providers focus on rapid extrication around the four-hour mark and initiate aggressive fluid management and careful monitoring after extrusion to minimize complications.