Question

Assessment of a patient involved in a motor vehicle accident reveals him to have crepitus to the left humerus, instability to the left lateral chest wall and flank, and pain on palpation to left hip region. He also complains of pain to the right side of the neck. Based on this injury pattern, the EMT would recognize the patient was:

Select one:
a. an unrestrained driver involved in a head-on collision.
b. the passenger in a car hit from behind.
c. an unrestrained occupant in a car struck from the side.
d. the driver of a car hit on the driver's side.

Answer 1

The patient's injury pattern, including a fractured left humerus, unstable left chest wall, pain in the left hip region, and right neck pain, suggests he was an unrestrained occupant in a side-struck vehicle.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the injury pattern described, the assessment suggests that the patient was likely an unrestrained occupant in a car struck from the side. The presence of crepitus to the left humerus could indicate a fracture due to impact or compression against the door or steering wheel. The instability to the left lateral chest wall and flank is consistent with rib fractures, which can occur from lateral compression during side impact. Pain on palpation to the left hip region could also be a result of direct trauma during the collision. Additionally, the complaint of pain to the right side of the neck might be due to whiplash or blunt force trauma during impact. These combined injuries are often seen in side-impact collisions where seat belts may not be worn, as frontal airbags typically do not provide protection in such events.