Basically, the whole function is based on the sensors installed inside the car, with the OnStar Automatic Crash Response feature sending information regarding the accident to the advisor. Using data such as crash severity, direction of impact, airbag deployment and vehicle type, the Injury Severity Prediction feature automatically rates the accident as either Normal or High.
“The OnStar Injury Severity Prediction will speak for our subscribers, even when they cannot speak for themselves,” said Chet Huber, president, OnStar. “This technology is like a virtual witness to the crash, based on data which is more precise than eye-witness accounts.”
According to General Motors, the feature is projected to become available to OnStar advisors in the first months of 2010. And to refresh your memory, OnStar is offered as standard for one year on all new GM vehicles sold in the United States and Canada.
“Seconds matter following severe trauma and accurate assessment of occupant injury severity by rescue personnel at the scene will allow them to properly prioritize the treatment and transport of crash occupants,” said Stewart C. Wang, MD, PhD, FACS, Professor of Surgery at the University of Michigan Trauma Center. “OnStar’s Injury Severity Prediction will help save many lives and prevent the numerous complications that result from delayed treatment of injuries."
“Many crash occupants have neither external wounds nor significant symptoms at the scene despite life-threatening internal injuries. This technology will help rescuers to urgently identify and transport these occupants for needed medical treatment,” said Dr. Wang.
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