Frontal Crashes Flashcards
What is the first step in understanding the MOI after a frontal crash?
Evaluation of the supplemental restraint system, including seat belts and airbags.
What should be determined regarding passengers during a crash?
Whether the passenger was restrained by a full and properly applied three-point restraint and whether the airbag was deployed.
What is the role of seat belts in a vehicle during a crash?
To restrain passengers and prevent a second collision inside the motor vehicle.
How many lives did seat belt use save in 2016 according to the CDC?
An estimated 15,000 lives.
What injury severity can seat belts decrease?
The severity of the third collision, that of the passenger’s organs with the chest or abdominal wall.
What enhances the protective abilities of seat belts?
The deployment of airbags.
What are the primary injuries that airbags effectively decrease?
Injury to the chest, face, and head.
What should be suspected if airbags are deployed?
Other serious injuries to the extremities and internal organs.
Since when have airbags been standard equipment in most motor vehicles?
Since 1999.
What risk does rapid inflation of an airbag pose to infants in rear-facing car seats?
Serious injury or death.
What is the recommended seating arrangement for children shorter than 4 feet 9 inches?
They should ride in the rear seat or the airbag should be turned off in a pickup truck.
What caution should be taken if the airbag did not inflate during the accident?
It may deploy during extrication, which could cause serious injury.
What can improper use of supplemental restraint systems cause?
Harm to occupants.
What is a potential issue with older vehicle models’ seat belts?
They may require passengers to buckle the lap portion, leading to improper restraint.
What can happen if the lap portion of the seat belt is not buckled?
The occupant may travel down and under the shoulder strap, causing lower body injuries.
What type of injuries can seat belts cause, particularly in pediatric patients?
Unseen abdominal injuries.
Where should seat belts be worn to distribute force properly?
Over the iliac crests of the pelvis.
What injuries may result if seat belts are worn too low?
Hip dislocations.
What injuries may occur if the seat belt is worn too high?
Damage to abdominal organs.
What type of fractures are possible with improper seat belt use?
Lumbar spine fractures.
What happens to unrestrained passengers during emergency braking in vehicles with airbags?
They are often thrown forward and come into contact with the airbag and/or doors at the time of deployment.
This can lead to severe injuries, especially in children riding unrestrained in front seats.
What are the risks associated with multiple airbags and side curtains in modern vehicles?
They are designed to protect occupants but can also alter injury patterns.
Certain areas of the vehicle may have airbags that deploy upon impact, causing unexpected deployment if extrication tools are used.
Can airbags deploy after the car battery has been disengaged?
Yes, airbags can still deploy even after the car battery has been disengaged.
This poses additional risks during vehicle extrication.
