What injuries are usually associated with severe head injuries which occur after a fall from a four-wheeled vehicle (microcar, quad)?
Show the correct answer
Correct answer
C. Injuries of the neck section of the spine and the skull.
Explanation
In the photo there is a quadricycle with a windscreen and top boxes. Severe head injuries after a fall from a quadricycle usually come together with an injury to the cervical spine (the neck part of the spine) and the skull - answer C.
Anyone who sees a person in a sudden health emergency must notify the emergency services without delay, and the Criminal Code punishes failure to give help. In a fall from a quadricycle the head hits the ground and the neck bends violently, because it takes the whole force of the heavy head - that is why a severe head injury almost always means a suspected injury to the cervical spine and the skull. The thoracic spine (answer B) and the lumbar spine (answer A) may also be hurt, but they are not the typical companion of a head injury. That is why you do not move the injured person unless you have to, and if they are breathing, you keep their head still with your hands until the ambulance arrives. A protective helmet, which is compulsory also on a quadricycle, greatly reduces the effects of such a fall.
Legal basis: Art. 4 of the State Emergency Medical Services Act; Art. 162 § 1 of the Criminal Code; Art. 40 para. 1 of the Road Traffic Act (Prawo o ruchu drogowym)