Blunt Trauma

Question 1

What is blunt trauma?

Answer 1

An injury produced by the wounding forces of compression and change of speed (usually deceleration). These forces can disrupt tissue.

Question 2

What is acceleration in reference to blunt trauma?

Answer 2

Increase in velocity

Question 3

Describe the mechanism of a head on (frontal impact) motor vehicle accident

Answer 3

Occurs when forward motion is stopped abruptly.

Question 4

Describe a down and under style head on motor vehicle accident

Answer 4

Forces the occupant down into the seat and forward into the dashboard or steering column.

Question 5

Describe the up and over head on motor vehicle accident

Answer 5

Forces the body forward into the steering column or dash and over into the windshield or whatever objects lies in front of them. The ribs and underlying structures absorb the momentum of the thorax.

Question 6

Describe lateral impact motor vehicle accidents

Answer 6

As the damaged vehicle moves away from the point of impact, the occupant accelerates away from the point of impact moving laterally with the car.

Question 7

Describe the rear end style motor vehicle accident

Answer 7

Vehicle is rapidly struck from behind and accelerates forward quickly, moving under the occupant.

Question 8

Describe a rotational motor vehicle accident

Answer 8

Occurs when an off-center portion of the vehicle strikes an immovable object or one that is moving more slowly or in the opposite direction.

Question 9

Describe the rollover motor vehicle accident

Answer 9

The occupants tumble inside the vehicle and may be ejected if unrestrained. Injury occurs wherever the occupants body hits.