Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) Practice Test

The potential for death or serious injury is greatest in which type of motor vehicle collision?

1. Down and under

2. Ejection from vehicle

3. Lateral compression

4. Up and over

The correct answer is: Ejection from vehicle

Ejection from a vehicle significantly increases the risk of death or serious injury in motor vehicle collisions due to the high likelihood of the occupant being thrown clear of the vehicle during the crash. When an individual is ejected, they are often subjected to extreme forces, impacting the ground or other objects without the protective frame of the vehicle to absorb or mitigate these forces. This uncontrolled dynamic can result in severe trauma, such as head injuries, spinal injuries, and other critical internal damage. Moreover, ejection typically occurs in higher-velocity collisions or when seatbelts are not used, amplifying the risk factors. The likelihood of secondary impacts, where a person may be struck by the vehicle after being ejected or colliding with stationary objects, further compounds the potential for life-threatening injuries. In essence, the vulnerability experienced during ejection creates a scenario where the possibility of catastrophic outcomes is remarkably heightened compared to other types of collisions.