William Torres Jr.
EMS Department Head
Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital
1200 Westwood Drive
Hamilton, MT 59840
wtorres@mdmh.org
Trauma on the Roads
As first responders, we are often called to highways or intersections
for motor vehicle collisions. Depending on the service or agency dispatched
the roles may be a little different. One common role is to respond safely
and work together to provide care if needed and eliminate any hazard or
potential hazard.
Law Enforcement will protect the scene and first responders while documenting
and, if necessary, investigating the scene. Preserving evidence is also
critical when a fatality has or likely will occur. Fire departments respond
to provide extrication when necessary, stabilization of vehicles, and
fire suppression. There are so many components on newer cars and they
remain current with the potential hazards.
EMS agencies respond to motor vehicle collisions when injuries have have
been sustained. They can provide a patient assessment, treatment, and
transportation to an emergency department. When pain is present it usually
means that further assessment by an health care provider is required.
Additional diagnostic testing including x-ray is not available at the
scene. Law Enforcement and fire departments often assist EMS when needed.
Towing companies and air medical services also play a role at motor vehicle
collisions. They are contacted when necessary to clear roadways and provide
rapid transportation when serious injuries have occurred.
Montana has experienced seven fatalities this year compared to five this
time last year. There were one-hundred ninety in 2016. The Montana Department
of Transportation has developed a mufti-faceted initiative, Vision Zero,
to reduce or eliminate fatalities. By developing safer roads and safer
people we can work toward this goal. Being aware of the speed limit and
wildlife crossings are just two examples of safer roads.
Educating our driver's and other users of the road are important parts
of any injury reduction program. Wearing a seatbelt will keep you safer
in a vehicle and reduce the likelihood of an injury during a collision.
The use of a helmet when riding a bike or motorcycle is also an important
part of injury prevention.
Another important factor is driving under the influence of alcohol or
drugs. Driving is considered a privilege and not a right. When you drive
under the influence it reduces your reaction time and drastically reduces
your ability to react and avoid a collision.
The stereotype is driving with an open container. However, there has been
an increase of prescription use causing impairment. It is always important
to discuss driving while on a medication with your health care provider
or pharmacist. Having this discussion will inform you of the potential
increased risk.
Distracted driving is also a huge factor when reviewing causes of collisions.
Texting while driving, eating, applying makeup, and phone use are some
of the multitasking that increases our risk of being involved in a motor
vehicle collision. Even map reading or changing the radio station can
be a distraction and increase your risk for a collision. Another possible
cause of distraction is the passenger in your vehicle. Their use of electronic
devices can often distract a driver.
One law that has saved lives is mandating that traffic slows down and
change lanes if possible when passing a stopped emergency vehicle with
activated emergency lights. This law protects first responders while operating
at a scene. There are many responders at a scene providing assistance
and this law assists with their safety. The risk of a fine for not slowing
down and changing lanes fails to compare to the risk to our first responders
operating at a scene.
Passing vehicles only when clearly marked or appropriate is important.
There are many factors used when deciding when passing vehicles are appropriate
and marked. Blind spots, speed, and weather should also be considered
even when passing is allowed.
The trauma system deploys resources that will prevent injuries on our roads.
Motorcycle and bike safety are two of the programs in progress. Bike safety
entails using resources to educate drivers and families on bike safety.
Many areas have bike helmet programs that provide helmets to children
who bike. There is a dramatic reduction in risks for a head injury when
utilizing a helmet.
The trauma system in Montana was created in 2006 and has shown improvement
with the likelihood of surviving a motor vehicle collision. This is due
to emphasis on prevention including helmet programs. It also focused on
emergency medical services and hospitals being trained and working together
to transport patients to the closest most appropriate facility. We continue
to improve our response to and treatment of patients both in the pre-hospital
and hospital setting.
By working together to share the road and accept the responsibility for
its use, we can improve our safety and the safety of our first responders.
The health column is a brought to you by collaboration amongst the Ravalli
Republic and Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital. For questions and or comments
about this week's health column, please contact Willie Torres, Jr.,
EMS Department Head,
wtorres@mdmh.org
at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital, 1200 Westwood Drive, Hamilton MT 59840.
Working together to build a healthier community!