| MadSci Network: Medicine |
Interesting historical question. In my opinion, prognosis of such a critical situation is directly linked to the delay between trauma and medical action. It is easy to imagine that a 33 years old male left careless for 6 to 10 hours after having sustained penetrating trauma chest would have a very poor prognosis (acute blood loss, respiratory distress, dehydratation, infection). On the other hand, immediate medical action following thoracic injury (I mean fluid loading and transfusion, ventilation and pain control, surgical control of bleeding) brings a rather high probability of survival. Crucifixion has its own "side effects", i.e. respiratory distress because of rib cage motion impairement, hypovolhemia (blood stored in the lower limbs) and exhaustion because of pain. Add to this acute dehydratation if this occurs around noon, in a subtropical location. I believe, on a general standpoint, that it is almost impossible to give a "mathematical" prognosis for individuals. Probabilities apply to groups. I therefore fell unable to go beyond, regarding a special person's prognosis. Hope this helps Luc Luc A. Ronchi Ped Anaesth Hopital de Saint Nazaire France
Try the links in the MadSci Library for more information on Medicine.