The following scenarios describe different vehicle accidents. Please identify which patient(s) require emergent EMS transport, and which pt should have known better that there are key words that earn you a backboard and c-collar. (Drugs are not a contributing factor, and no LOC in any of the following cases.)
#1: Post-2000 4-door sedan stopped at intersection rear-ended by similar-sized at 10 mph. Minor damage to fender, car is still drivable. Belted adult-sized occupant years of age A&Ox4 with zero health history. No airbag deployment Complaints: neck pain.
#2: Post-2000 sports car going 60-70mph on highway. Unknown vehicle malfunction causes driver to lose control of car, car makes big-ass dent in guardrail before driver manages to steer car to shoulder. No air bag deployment. Front end is buggered up, but no passenger compartment damage. Middle-aged belted occupant has history of hypertension, torn and repaired ACL surgery, and currently complains of tenderness in chest area, but breathing not compromised.
#3: Post 2010...
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