Potential benefits of an automatic injury notification system in reducing motor vehicle crash fatalities

Background: Automatic crash notification systems can significantly reduce notification times for motor vehicle crashes (MVC) and potentially reduce related morbidity and mortality. Additionally, predictions of injury severity and subsequent automatic transfer of severity data to emergency medical services (EMS) and trauma care providers is expected to improve the timeliness, appropriateness, and efficacy of emergency care provided. The goal of the study is to predict the success of reducing MVC mortality in the US through automated notification of injury severity sustained by the victims.

Methods: EMS data from sampled motor vehicle crash cases presenting approximately 200,000 adult occupants involved in serious crashes in the year 2002-2003 were obtained from the National Automotive Sampling System – Crash Worthiness Data System. Crash survivability, as a function of EMS interval times and injury severity in specific body regions, was estimated using Cox's proportional hazards models while controlling for the effects of occupant demographics, trauma care type, transportation type and factors describing crash severity.

Results: Pre-hospital time from crash to arrival at hospital was shown to be significant for the survivability of MVC victims when compared against other out-of-hospital EMS interval times. Survivability rates for victims with severe injuries in the chest region demonstrated the potential for maximum benefit by reducing the time to initiate definitive care.

Conclusions: Differences in the survival rate of MVC victims as a function of injury severity and body regions support the potential for improving survivability of victims and emergency care resource allocation using the framework for automatic injury notification.