Blast injury

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Blast Injury

A Blast Injury (pronunciation: /blæst ˈɪndʒəri/) is a complex type of physical trauma resulting from direct or indirect exposure to an explosion.

Etymology

The term "blast injury" originates from the Greek word "blastos" meaning "sprout" or "germ", and the Latin word "injuria" meaning "injury" or "harm".

Definition

Blast injuries can occur in a variety of situations, including industrial accidents, terrorist attacks, or military combat. They are characterized by the triphasic nature of the blast wave produced in an explosion: the initial shock wave, the subsequent blast wind, and the potential for injury from the surrounding environment or debris.

Types of Blast Injuries

Blast injuries can be categorized into four types:

  1. Primary blast injuries: These are caused by the direct impact of the high pressure blast wave on the body. They typically affect air-filled organs like the lungs, ears, and gastrointestinal tract.
  2. Secondary blast injuries: These are caused by flying debris and bomb fragments, leading to penetrating or blunt trauma.
  3. Tertiary blast injuries: These occur when the person is thrown by the blast wind, resulting in impact injuries.
  4. Quaternary blast injuries: This category includes all other injuries not included in the first three categories, such as burns, crush injuries, and inhalation of toxic gases.

Related Terms

See Also

External links

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