NASS, CIREN and WLIRC cases are examined to determine the factors that influence aortic tear. In addition to a qualitative evaluation of cases, regression analysis is performed to determine which factors are predictive of aortic tear. Occupant factors such as age, restraint status and seat location are considered along with crash characteristics such as intrusion, delta-v, crush, damage location, and striking vehicle class. Age, delta-v and intrusion have been confirmed predictors of aortic tear. In addition, damage to the struck vehicle, beginning forward of the A-pillar, is a statistically significant predictor. Occupants in non-catastrophic crashes with damage patterns that include the front two-thirds of the vehicle are more than twice as likely to sustain aortic tear as occupants in vehicles that do not exhibit that damage pattern. This is significant as it can be used as an on-scene indicator of a possible aortic injury, allowing for better triage. For the covering abstract see ITRD E825082.
Samenvatting