Citation

Brookes C, Wang S, McWilliams J. Eur. J. Emerg. Med. 2003; 10(1): 30-34.

Affiliation

Blackpool Victoria Hospital NHS Trust, Lancashire, UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/01.mej.0000058251.71227.17

PMID

12637859

Abstract

Twenty cases of maxillofacial trauma to vehicle occupants in motor crashes were retrospectively analysed using data from the CIREN project (Crash Injury Research Engineering Network - a collaboration between eight level 1 trauma centres in America). The facial fractures and lacerations were classified and a correlation was made between the deformation of the vehicle and the injuries sustained. The importance of airbags as supplemental restraint systems is emphasized, as is the necessity for coexistent seatbelt use. The vehicle 'A' pillar as a source of injury is highlighted. Although there is no doubt that airbags save lives, the possible risks of powerful airbag deployment to small stature, out of position, vehicle occupants is discussed.

Language: en