Abstract
In recent decades, morbidity in road traffi c accidents has declined in Western Europe, mainly due to the enforcement of road safety policies and innovations in car engineering. In classic cars-so called "oldtimers" in Switzerland-these innovations in car engineering and often even seat belts are lacking, leading to a greater risk of morbidity after accidents. Thus, we reviewed our own series of victims of accidents with oldtimers who were admitted to our Level 1 Trauma Centre in Switzerland over the last 18 years. Within the 18-year study period and a total of 500,000 consultations, six documented oldtimer accidents were included in this case series. In three of the six oldtimer accidents and in all high-speed accidents, the car was overturned. In one case, the reason for this was unknown, in another a tire had suddenly burst and in a third this was triggered by evading an obstacle. Four reports contained information about a missing airbag and/or seat belt. Injuries included blunt abdominal injuries (laceration, mesenteric vessel injury), chest trauma (pneumothorax, rip fracture, scapula fracture), brain injury, and contusions. None of the patients died. In conclusion, oldtimer accidents are rare. However, pre-clinicians and clinicians treating patients after oldtimer car accidents should be aware of the specific risks-such as steering wheel injuries and consequences of trauma, i.e., extensive injuries to the head, chest and abdomen.