4765-14-01 Definitions.

(A) As used in this chapter and section 4765.01 of the Revised Code, "trauma" or "traumatic injury" means severe damage to or destruction of tissue that satisfies both of the following conditions:

(1) It creates a significant risk of any of the following:

(a) Loss of life;

(b) Loss of a limb;

(c) Significant, permanent disfigurement;

(d) Significant, permanent disability; and

(2) It is caused by any of the following:

(a) Blunt or penetrating injury;

(b) Exposure to electromagnetic, chemical, or radioactive energy;

(c) Drowning, suffocation, or strangulation;

(d) A deficit or excess of heat.

(B) "Evidence of poor perfusion" means physiologic indicators of hemorrhage or decreased cardiovascular function, which may include any of the following symptoms:

(1) Weak, distal pulse;

(2) Pallor;

(3) Cyanosis;

(4) Delayed capillary refill;

(5) Tachycardia.

(C) "Evidence of respiratory distress or failure" means physiologic indicators of decreased ventilatory function, which may include any of the following symptoms:

(1) Stridor;

(2) Grunting;

(3) Retractions;

(4) Cyanosis;

(5) Hoarseness;

(6) Difficulty speaking.

(D) "Evidence of hemorrhagic shock" means physiologic indicators of blood loss that may include any of the following symptoms:

(1) Delayed capillary refill;

(2) Cool, pale, diaphoretic skin;

(3) Decreased systolic blood pressure with narrowing pulse pressure;

(4) Altered level of consciousness.

(E) "Seatbelt sign" means abdominal or thoracic contusions and abrasions resulting from the use of a seatbelt during a motor vehicle collision.

(F) "Signs or symptoms of spinal cord injury" means physiologic indicators that the spinal cord is damaged, including, but not limited to, paralysis, weakness, numbness, or tingling of one or more extremities.

(G) "Evidence of neurovascular compromise" means physiologic indicators of injury to blood vessels or nerves including, but not limited to, pallor, loss of palpable pulses, paralysis, paraesthesia, or severe pain.

(H) "Body region" means a portion of the trauma victim's body divided into the following areas:

(1) Brain;

(2) Head, face, and neck;

(3) Chest;

(4) Abdomen and pelvis;

(5) Extremities;

(6) Spine.

(I) Evidence of traumatic brain injury" means signs of external trauma and physiologic indicators that the brain has suffered an injury caused by external force including, but not limited to:

(1) Decrease in level of consciousness from the victim's baseline;

(2) Unequal pupils;

(3) Blurred vision;

(4) Severe or persistent headache;

(5) Nausea or vomiting;

(6) Change in neurological status.

Promulgated Under: 119.03
Statutory Authority: 4765.11, 4765.40
Rule Amplifies: 4765.40
Prior Effective Dates: 10/28/02, 12/29/08