Which of the following findings would be LEAST suggestive of the presence of high-energy trauma?

Which of the following findings would be LEAST suggestive of the presence of high-energy trauma?

• A. Steering wheel collapse.
• B. Intrusion into the vehicle.
• C. Deployment of the airbag.
• D. Dismounted seats.

Answer: (C)

The finding that would be least suggestive of high-energy trauma is the deployment of the airbag. Airbags are designed to deploy in moderate to high-speed collisions to reduce the risk of injury to the occupants. Their deployment indicates that a significant impact occurred; however, it does not necessarily confirm that the trauma sustained was of high energy. The presence of a deployed airbag may occur in scenarios that are not considered high-energy trauma, such as a moderate-speed accident. In contrast, other findings, like steering wheel collapse, intrusion into the vehicle, and dismounted seats, typically indicate a more severe impact and are associated with high-energy trauma scenarios. These findings suggest more significant forces acting on the vehicle structure and its occupants, therefore indicating the likelihood of serious injuries.

The finding that would be least suggestive of high-energy trauma is the deployment of the airbag. Airbags are designed to deploy in moderate to high-speed collisions to reduce the risk of injury to the occupants. Their deployment indicates that a significant impact occurred; however, it does not necessarily confirm that the trauma sustained was of high energy.

The presence of a deployed airbag may occur in scenarios that are not considered high-energy trauma, such as a moderate-speed accident. In contrast, other findings, like steering wheel collapse, intrusion into the vehicle, and dismounted seats, typically indicate a more severe impact and are associated with high-energy trauma scenarios. These findings suggest more significant forces acting on the vehicle structure and its occupants, therefore indicating the likelihood of serious injuries.