While the statistics of vehicle collision deaths are often the topic of this blog – we rarely discuss the number of injuries that require hospitalization. In a recent year approximately 4 ½ million people required hospital care due to auto and truck accidents. These injuries run the gamut of minor cuts and bruises to traumatic brain and internal injuries. Too, some require only a simple overnight stay to months of hospitalization and rehabilitation and some are so serious that the person never fully recovers. Although difficult to relate – an informed reader has a better chance of survival so let us consider the following facts.
If the accident causes blunt and penetrating abdominal injuries then the person may damage internal organs as well as vital arteries. This type of injury requires immediate attention – and stopping any external bleeding may save a person’s life. In addition there may be a chance of hemorrhaging and shock. Prompt diagnosis and surgical repair are often required.
Spinal injuries are also very serious. They include fractures, contusions and compressions of the vertebral column and damage to the spinal cord itself. Overall there are about 10,000 of these that result in permanent paralysis each year. Unfortunately, statistics show that pediatric spinal cord injuries result in higher mortality rates.
Traumatic amputation can also result from car accidents. This may include the complete loss of a finger, toe, foot, arm or leg. Either the limb is completely severed or, in a partial amputation, a portion of the soft tissue connection remains.
Accidents usually have traumatic and long term consequences. Safe driving may help to avoid some of these.
