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> Would it be realistic to assume that having a photograph which shows damage to a > vehicle involved in a RTA (MVA/MVC) conveys more information to hospital staff > about the forces that acted upon the patient than would normally be gained via a > verbal description given by the paramedics and technicians? If this assumption > is reasonable is there any evidence to support it? Absolutely. As a pre-hospital provider (BASICS Dr) we used to take polaroids which were shown to A/E staff. Now we use a digital camera which is downloaded to a PC in A/E and a printout run off in 30 seconds. Advantages - cost per picture, re-usable film, able to delete picture at scene if not suitable, keep a copy for our records/teaching. Disadvantages - intial outlay cost, kit getting better and cheaper by the hour, can't use a large flashgun at night. > To save re-inventing the wheel I have a few questions for the list. > > 1) Does anyone have any experience of using photography (digital or > Polaroid) as a means of recording damage to vehicles following an RTA it > injury to passenger/driver/pedestrian/rider? See above (also useful for "before" pictures before reducing fractures/closing gaping wounds etc) > 2) Are these photographs given to the receiving physicians/surgeons at the > hospital? Yep. > 3) Is there any evidence available that scene photographs in any way > influence medical staff in their treatment of the trauma patient? Only personal anecdotes. I get the impression that the staff like to see what has been going on pre-hospital and feel more involved. Everyone wants to see the pictures! Rowley may give more feedback from the A/E perspective. Pictures also available for later management/tertiary care. > 4) Have any studies been conducted that look at EMT or Paramedic accuracy at > interpreting the mechanism of injury based solely on looking at photographs > along with a brief scenario? Pass. > I require as much information as possible, particularly from inside the UK, for > my degree thesis so any input would be invaluable. Alan Pearce [log in to unmask] %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%