During consult, transport to a designated Trauma Center is advisable if auto v. ped/bicyclist/motorcyclist impact is less than or equal to what mph?

During consult, transport to a designated Trauma Center is advisable if auto v. ped/bicyclist/motorcyclist impact is less than or equal to what mph?

• A. ≤20 mph
• B. ≤10 mph
• C. ≤30 mph
• D. ≤40 mph

Answer: (A)

Mechanism of injury drives the decision to send someone to a trauma center. In auto-pedestrian/motorcyclist collisions, the speed of impact largely determines how likely serious injuries are, even when outward signs seem mild. When the impact is 20 mph or less, injuries can be occult or evolve over time, so consulting with medical control and opting for transport to a designated Trauma Center gives access to definitive evaluation, imaging, and trauma care early. Higher-energy impacts (speeds above 20 mph) carry greater immediate injury risk, but the policy uses the 20 mph threshold to flag cases where careful escalation to trauma center care is prudent even if initial findings aren’t dramatic.

Mechanism of injury drives the decision to send someone to a trauma center. In auto-pedestrian/motorcyclist collisions, the speed of impact largely determines how likely serious injuries are, even when outward signs seem mild. When the impact is 20 mph or less, injuries can be occult or evolve over time, so consulting with medical control and opting for transport to a designated Trauma Center gives access to definitive evaluation, imaging, and trauma care early. Higher-energy impacts (speeds above 20 mph) carry greater immediate injury risk, but the policy uses the 20 mph threshold to flag cases where careful escalation to trauma center care is prudent even if initial findings aren’t dramatic.