New York State Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Practice Exam

What is a common result of rotational motor vehicle collisions?

1. Severe head trauma

2. Spinal injuries

3. Multiple rib fractures

4. Foot and ankle injuries

The correct answer is: Multiple rib fractures

In the context of rotational motor vehicle collisions, multiple rib fractures are indeed a common outcome due to the violent and twisting forces involved in such incidents. When a vehicle rotates upon impact, the occupants experience force distributed unevenly across their bodies. This can lead to significant stress on the chest area, often resulting in fractures to the ribs. Rotational impacts tend to cause lateral movement of the body, which can increase the risk of rib fractures, especially in seatbelt users where the belt may restrain the torso while the body rotates around the point of restraint. Additionally, the sudden deceleration and twisting motion can cause the chest to impact various interior components of the vehicle, further increasing the likelihood of sustaining multiple rib fractures. While severe head trauma, spinal injuries, and foot and ankle injuries can occur in motor vehicle collisions, the specific mechanics of rotational collisions make rib fractures particularly prevalent as the body is subjected to different forces during the rotation. These details underline why multiple rib fractures are often observed in such scenarios.