Pre-Hospital Care UK - Blast Injuries

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Classification of Blast Injuries

Blast injuries are caused by the rapid transfer of energy to the body during explosions
The incidence of blast injuries and use of bombs in acts of terrorism is increasing at an alarming rate
Within the space of five years two major western powers have been struck by large scale terrorist bombings
Civilian doctors and medical staff increasingly need to know about this important aspect of medicine - along with the associated risks of radiation and chemical contamination

To demonstrate the extreme force of modern bombs, below is some footage from the testing of a fuel-air bomb. The damage caused by this blast wave shows the intensity of this sort of explosive.

Primary

Secondary

Tertiary

Quaternary

Occurs when the blast wave transfers energy to the body. Gas containing structures are the most affected e.g. lungs, ears and gastrointestinal tract

Occurs when fragments of bombs or debris from the blast lead to direct injury. These include penetrating and non-penetrating injuries

These are classically caused be high energy explosives throwing people into the air, leading to injury on impact with other objects

To be expanded in due course...

Dr. N Sparrow - 6 January 2007

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