AEMCA Practice Exam

Injuries associated with vertical falls are the result of which two injury mechanisms?

1. Deceleration and puncture

2. Compression and deceleration

3. Traction and impact

4. Fracture and shear

The correct answer is: Compression and deceleration

Injuries associated with vertical falls primarily occur due to the mechanisms of compression and deceleration. When a person falls from a height, the force of impact upon landing is concentrated, leading to significant compressive forces on the body, especially in the spine and lower extremities. This compression often results in fractures or other injuries to bones and soft tissues in the areas that absorb the shock of landing. Deceleration is also a crucial factor in these injuries. As the individual falls, their velocity increases until they reach the moment of impact with the ground. The sudden stop or deceleration at this point exerts additional forces on the body, which can lead to further trauma, such as internal organ injuries or exacerbation of skeletal injuries caused by the compression. Together, these two mechanisms explain the types of injuries commonly associated with vertical falls, highlighting the importance of understanding the physics involved in such incidents for effective assessment and treatment of injuries.