Chest injuries in road trauma

A review of major chest injuries sustained by road crash victims attending the Preston and Northcote Community Hospital over the four-year period 1971 to 1974 highlights the vulnerability of car occupants to this type of injury, particularly those involved in side-impact collisions. In this type of collision seat-belt restraint does not influence the incidence of chest injury. Major injuries to other body areas and the delayed development of serious pulmonary complications call for continuous expert medical cae with the use of the facilities of an intensive care ward. The range of complications in a survey of 60 such patients admitted to hospital in 1974 is highlighted. A regime of management is outlined.