Proposed Change to Verbiage in 3.1.3

[warren.stanley]

In 2.3.4 we are voting to add “medically diagnosed concussion” as an example of a Suspected Serious Injury. If the change is approved, I would propose we update the verbiage of 3.1.3 Time of Classification: Injuries should be classified on a basis of conditions at the scene of the crash. The single exception to this rule applies to fatal injures… to include Suspected Serious Injuries. Thoughts on this??

[John McDonough]

Hi Warren and CB members,

Thank you for posting this to the board. Prior to our next batch of items, I will introduce to the CB that this is now active for these shared discussions and suggestions. I mentioned it on the webinar, but we are the first ones using it.

In an initial look, if we just remove the “medically diagnosed” component and go with a “concussion” is an example of a serious injury, I think we can be both medically aligned (pending agreement of those with expertise in that area) and not run up against that passage on fatal injuries. The fatal injury designation is in recognition that frequently death from injury does not result at the time of the crash. Where a concussion would occur at the time of the crash, just not readily confirmed without medical evaluation. Further, it is probably true of other injuries that are not readily identifiable by visual inspection. Ideally, the crash data/injury severity classification would reflect the appropriate severity and the linkage from medical diagnosis would be made back to the crash record. For example, an injury classified at scene as “possible” due to complaint of pain could later be medically determined as serious due to injuries to internal organs.

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