This refers to the mechanisms whereby the energy is transferred from the environment to the person. Mechanism of injury assists the health care provider in triaging casualties and determining the probability of various types of injury.
Obtaining information related to Mechanism of injury is crucial in understanding what the patient’s body went through during the traumatic event. It may also be a very good predictor for associated injuries in which the patient may have sustained. Such things that may be of great importance: What did the vehicle look like: Mild/Moderate/Severe damage? Was there a Death in the same vehicle? Was the passenger restraint device used? Was there intrusion into the frame of the vehicle? Was the steering wheel bent? Did EMS notice any starring of the windshield? This information can be of great help when trying to prevent secondary injury in the trauma patient.
Did the car accident occur in Miami, FL (the location of our office)? Was chiropractic, massage, physical therapy, or another type of mechanical therapy instituted? Was there a surgical or mechanical procedure performed at the hospital? This information can be of help in identifying the progress in the accident patient.
References: American College of Surgeons (2008). ATLS
Forensic Nursing Chronicles 