This article evaluates 3 controversial subjects of pre-hospital emergency care : 1) The concept of the « Golden hour » predicates an increased morbidity and mortality for injured patients, if pre-hospital care exceeds 1 hour. In the subgroup of patients presenting with severe hemorrhagic injuries or penetrating trauma to the torso, a transport of 60 minutes or less decreases mortality ; 2) The Sellick manoeuvre is used to decrease the risk of bronchoaspiration in patients undergoing an emergency intubation. In view of the low incidence of bronchoaspiration and the inherent risks of cricoid pressure, it should be used only in selected patients ; 3) Improvised cricothyroidotomy using non-medical devices may be feasible if a knife to perform an incision in the cricothyroid membrane and an endotracheal tube of sufficient diameter are available.