Pedestrian Injuries

Question 1

Explain the initial impact phase with adult patients

Answer 1

The adult is struck by the vehicle bumper in the lower legs, producing lower extremity fractures.

Question 2

Explain the secondary impact with adult patients

Answer 2

Patient hits the hood of the vehicle

Question 3

Explain the third impact with adult patients

Answer 3

Patient strikes the ground or is thrown against another object

Question 4

Explain the initial impact with children

Answer 4

Higher up on the body than adults, usually above the knees or pelvis. Injuries: femur, pelvic girdle, and internal hemorrhage

Question 5

Explain the secondary impact with children

Answer 5

Occurs as the vehicle continues forward, making contact with the child’s thorax, the child is then thrown backwards, forcing the head and neck to flex forward

Question 6

Explain the third impact with children

Answer 6

Child is thrown downward to the ground or another landing surface