Blast injuries is a form of physical trauma that occur as a result of direct or indirect exposure to explosions, it often causes life threatening injuries to single or multiple victims all at the same time.
Factors that Affect Likelihood of Blast Injuries
Every explosion generates a complex wave pressure from which blast injuries result from. Several factors affect the probability of blast injuries, which include:
- Medium – water has greater possibility for injury as compared to explosion in are due to the slow rate of dissipation
- Distance – the closer an individual is from an explosion, the great pressure from blast is experienced
- Site of blast – individuals closer to solid surfaces will be exposed to enhanced blast pressure, therefore are at greater risks of injury
Classification of Blast Injuries
Blast injuries are subdivided into four categories: primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary or miscellaneous blast-related injuries.
Primary Blast Injuries
- Occurs as a result of direct effect on the tissue of the blast overpressure
- Organs that are particularly vulnerable these kinds of injuries are air-filled organs, such as the lungs, ear, and gastrointestinal tract, and fluid-filled cavities, such as brain and spinal cord
Secondary Blast Injuries
- Occurs as a result of people getting hit by debris that is directly displaced by the waves of blast pressure
- Causes combination of blunt and penetrating trauma injuries
Tertiary Blast Injuries
- Occurs as a result of high-energy explosions
- Causes people to fly through the air and hit other objects
Quaternary or Miscellaneous Blast-Related Injuries
- Injuries that are caused by explosions
- Such as fire, building collapse, burns, exposure to toxic substances (e.g. carbon monoxide poisoning, cyanide poisoning, radiation), asphyxia and psychological trauma
Causes of Blast Injuries
There are many potential causes of blast injuries, which include:
- Gas explosions (most common)
- Armed conflicts
- Terrorist attacks
- Suicide bombers
First Aid Management of Blast Injuries
It is necessary to administer first aid to all victims of blast injuries at all times. The proper first aid will depend on the type of injury sustained by an individual. Call for emergency local services immediately. The following is the general protocol in cases of blast injuries:
- If the individual is unconscious, check his/ her airway, breathing and circulation. If necessary, initiate CPR immediately.
- If there is bleeding, control the bleeding by applying firm, direct pressure on the wound. Use a dressing or any clean absorbent cloth.
- Begin measures to decrease heat loss and avoid hypothermia.
- If there are signs and symptoms of shock, treat so.
To learn how to give proper first aid to all victims of blast injuries, enroll in First Aid Training and CPR Courses.
Online Sources:
http://www.patient.co.uk/doctor/Blast-Injury.htm
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/822587-overview