Question

A car has been hit head-on by another vehicle at a moderate rate of speed. Seatbelts were in place and the airbags deployed. The patient is complaining of chest pain. Quick observation reveals a bruise to his sternum. The EMT would immediately:

Select one:
a. deflate the airbag to get breath sounds.
b. check the windshield for starring.
c. lift the airbag and check the steering wheel.
d. suspect an injury related to the airbag.

Answer 1

An EMT would immediately suspect an injury related to the airbag in a case where a car occupant complains of chest pain and has a sternum bruise after a head-on collision where airbags deployed.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the scenario where a car has been hit head-on and the occupant is complaining of chest pain with a bruise on the sternum, an EMT would immediately suspect an injury related to the airbag. This is because airbags deploy upon impact to minimize serious injuries to passengers, but they can still cause injuries such as bruises, abrasions, or even more serious trauma due to the force of the airbag deploying against the body. When evaluating a patient after an airbag has deployed, it's essential to conduct a thorough assessment to rule out any potential injuries that may be related to the sudden force exerted by the airbag. If chest pain is present, the EMT should also be prepared to perform emergency procedures, such as CPR, if necessary, and transport the patient to the hospital for further evaluation.