INJURIES SUSTAINED BY AIR BAG OCCUPANTS IN FRONTAL CRASHES

This paper provides case examples to illustrate types of chest and abdominal injuries associated with air bag cases. Two types of cases are presented: (1) Jackson study involving occult chest/abdominal injury; and (2) special investigation cases sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It is suggested to use additional evidence from the crash scene in the triage criteria to assist in recognizing the extent of injuries to occupants protected by air bags. For the occult chest/abdominal cases observed in the Jackson study, deformation of the steering system was the vehicle characteristic most frequently observed. The challenges of recognizing injuries to air bag-protected occupants are discussed. The presence of steering wheel deformation may be a sufficient signal of caution to justify transporting the injured victim to a Level 1 or 2 trauma center so that a close examination for occult injuries can be made. (A) For the covering abstract of the conference see IRRD 894848.