Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) Practice Test

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Prepare for the Prehospital Trauma Life Support Test with comprehensive quizzes. Access flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with detailed explanations and hints. Ensure your success!

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Which is the best indicator of potential injury at the scene of a motor vehicle collision?

Circumference of the vehicle
Diameter of the tree
Mass of the vehicle
Speed of the vehicle

The correct answer is: Speed of the vehicle

The best indicator of potential injury at the scene of a motor vehicle collision is the speed of the vehicle. Speed directly correlates with the amount of kinetic energy involved in the collision; higher speeds result in greater force upon impact, which can lead to more severe injuries. Understanding the dynamics of a crash helps first responders assess the likelihood of serious injuries to occupants and, consequently, guides their medical interventions and prioritization during treatment. While the other options may provide some context regarding the vehicle's design or the environment (such as the tree's diameter or the vehicle's mass), they do not have the same direct relationship with the severity of injuries as the speed of the vehicle does. Speed gives valuable insight into how hard the force of the impact would have been, allowing responders to anticipate the potential for traumatic injuries.