Vehicle Crash Scene Cues; Size Up Through the Eyes of a Mechanical Engineer

Presented by: Dr. Janet Bahouth D.Sc. BMW and Hyundai Accident Research Program

Room 203

Automotive vehicles are different today. Roadways are different today. Crashes continue to happen and if you know what to look for at the scene, your patient assessment will be well informed. This workshop will provide a new look at a crash scene ‘size up’ to include what the vehicle can tell you if you know where to look. Dr. Janet Bahouth from the Crash Safety and Engineering industry will share the key factors to look for and the essential data elements to document that help EMS, Law Enforcement and Trauma Centers provide the best care for victims of crashes.

Objectives:
1. Describe the components of a crash and the phases of energy exchanged on human body.
2. Discuss the impact of crash forces on the direction of movement for each occupant within a vehicle.
3. Identify the impact of seat belts and air bags on the fatalities and severe injuries during a crash.
4. Using crash case studies, list the visual findings that indicate the potential for specific injury types.
5. List the top five eMEDS data elements that provide key information to contribute to the urgency or “risk of injury”.