[Survival after motor vehicle crash: impact of clinical and prehospital variables]

To assess clinical and prehospital variables associated with survival of motor vehicle crash victims.

Study carried out in the city of São Paulo (Southeastern Brazil), from 1999 to 2003. Data from 175 patients, who were aged between 12 and 65 years and had been motor vehicle crash victims, were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier Survival Analysis was used to approach the results at the accident scene with victims scoring <11, according to the Revised Trauma Score. Variables analyzed were: sex, age, injury mechanisms, basic and advanced support procedures, Revised Trauma Score parameters and fluctuations, time elapsed in the prehospital phase and trauma severity according to the Injury Severity Score and Maximum Abbreviated Injury Scale.

Analysis revealed that victims who were less likely to survive during the hospitalization period showed serious lesions in the abdomen, thorax, or lower limbs, with negative fluctuation of respiratory frequency and Revised Trauma Score in the prehospital phase. In addition, they needed specialized interventions or thoracic compressions. Brain lesions were associated with late death.

Recognition of variables involved in the survival of motor vehicle crash victims may help to determine protocols and to make decisions in order to perform pre- and in-hospital interventions and, consequently, maximize survival.