North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

In the assessment of trauma, what does 'high speed' imply?

1. Speeds greater than 30 mph

2. Speeds over 50 mph resulting in impact

3. Any collision speed exceeding 25 mph

4. Above the legal speed limit in a residential area

The correct answer is: Speeds over 50 mph resulting in impact

The term 'high speed' in the context of trauma assessment typically refers to significant impact forces that are likely to result in severe injuries. When discussing speeds over 50 mph, it is understood that this level of force greatly increases the potential for critical injuries during a collision. The mechanics of trauma at these higher speeds typically involve greater kinetic energy transfer, leading to more catastrophic injury patterns to the occupants involved in the crash. The threshold of 50 mph is often used in emergency medical protocols and literature to denote a significant risk of severe trauma resulting from vehicle collisions, making this a comprehensive interpretation of 'high speed' in the realm of trauma assessment. In contrast, speeds greater than 30 mph or exceeding 25 mph might not always result in high-impact injuries, as the injury potential can vary widely depending on factors such as vehicle safety features, the nature of the collision, and the specific circumstances surrounding the event. Similarly, simply being above the legal speed limit in a residential area does not necessarily correlate with the severity of injuries sustained in a crash, as it does not inherently indicate a high-energy impact scenario.