Physician as Good Samaritan: A Clinical Review of Responding to Motor Vehicle Collisions in the Community

There are over 6 million motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) in the United States per year, and it is likely clinicians will have the opportunity to assist victims of MVCs in the community as a bridge to prehospital care. This CME review prepares health care workers to respond appropriately when they encounter an MVC in the community. The management priorities for assisting in an MVC are: (1) scene safety, (2) notify EMS, (3) massive hemorrhage control, (4) airway, (5) respiration, (6) circulation, (7) head injuries and cervical spine immobilization, and (8) condition-specific management. Volunteer clinicians should continuously assess the scene for safety and plan escape routes. Extrication of passengers should only be performed if there is risk of the scene becoming unsafe or a need for emergency care. Massive hemorrhage may require the use of a commercial or makeshift tourniquet. There are special considerations for management in certain medical conditions, children, and pregnancy. Good Samaritan laws protect clinicians from legal liability when they perform good faith, volunteer assistance in community MVCs. Clinicians should be knowledgeable of the basic principles of MVC management to assist victims in the community and fulfill one of the purest expressions of their Hippocratic Oath.