ObjectiveTo evaluate prehospital treatment strategies of rescuers and first-line hospitals for thoracic trauma victims after Lushan earthquake, and provide reference for making emergency response plans, staff training, and preparedness of material and human resources for future disasters. MethodsClinical data of 365 victims in Lushan '4.20' earthquake who received treatment in West China Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 63 victims had thoracic trauma, including 40 males (63.5%)and 23 females (36.5%)with their age of 49.08±19.10 years. There were 244 victims with orthopedic trauma, including 133 males (54.5%)and 111 females (45.4%)with their age of 41.59±22.74 years. Prehospital treatment methods (including specific treatment and general treatment)were compared between thoracic trauma victims and orthopedic trauma victims. ResultsAmong all the thoracic trauma victims, 51 victims required specific pre-hospital treatment, but only 10 (19.6%)victims actually received it. Among all the orthopedic trauma victims, 220 victims required specific prehospital treatment, but actually 162 (73.6%)victims received it. The percentages of thoracic and orthopedic victims who received specific prehospital treatment were statistically different (P < 0.01). There was no statistical difference in the percentage of victims who received general treatment between thoracic and orthopedic trauma victims (P > 0.05). ConclusionsThoracic trauma victims receive less specific prehospital treatment than orthopedic trauma victims from rescuers and first-line hospitals after Lushan earthquake. More specific prehospital treatment is needed for thoracic trauma victims in disaster rescue in the future.