You Are Evaluating a Patient Who Was a Restrained Driver

You are evaluating a patient who was a restrained driver of a motor vehicle that crashed into the median barrier at 40 mph. He is awake, alert, and oriented, complaining of neck and back pain. There is a bruise across his upper abdomen in the shape of the seat belt. Based on this information, you should assume he is a ________ trauma patient, and transport him to ________.

A) major; the closest hospital
B) minor; the closest hospital
C) minor; the patient's hospital of choice
D) major; a trauma center