On a global scale, explosive devices are used as a means of terrorism. In 2013, a notable explosion occurred at a fertilizer plant in Texas resulting in 15 deaths and many injuries. The Federal Bureau of Investigation reported that from 1987 to 1997, over 4,000 injuries and 448 deaths occurred in the United States due to illegal explosions of bombs or incendiary devices. In 2014 it was estimated that there were over 10,000 blast injuries related to fireworks in the United States. Epidemiologyīlast injuries occur on various scales. Immediate death can also be caused by a pulmonary air embolism, severe head injury, significant internal injury, amputation, or impalement on an object. Immediate death can occur from an explosion as a result of extensive pulmonary injury with pulmonary hemorrhage causing suffocation. The four categories are based on the impact on the human body due to the blast wave, blast wind, environmental/material factors present in the area of the blast. Blast wind is the flow of superheated air that can interact with people and objects and cause injury or damage.Ĭhemical explosions cause injuries in four categories (primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary). In addition to the blast wave, an explosion can cause blast wind. Examples of low order explosives include – pipe bombs, gun powder, petroleum-based bombs. Low order explosions have a subsonic explosion and lack the high order explosive blast wave. High order explosives have a strong supersonic pressure wave, known as the blast wave or shock wave. EtiologyĮxplosives are categorized as high order explosives or low order explosives. The principle mechanism driving the extent of the injuries is the amount of kinetic energy released over a short time by the explosion. The type and severity of the impact depends on many factors including, when and where the event took place, the number of people in the area, material in the area of the explosion, and the type of explosion (nuclear, mechanical, or chemical), how far the victim is from the explosion, what protection they had available to them. Explosions have the ability to inflict injuries on many people at the same time resulting in high levels of mortality and morbidity. Whether through an accident or intentional act, explosions are an occurrence that can cause serious injury and death.
Describe the evaluation and management of victims of explosions and the role of the interprofessional team in improving care for affected patients.Discuss the history and physical that is conducted with a blast injury.Describe the pathophysiology of blast injuries.Describe the principle mechanism driving the extent of blast injuries.This activity describes the evaluation and management of victims of explosions and highlights the role of the interprofessional team in improving care for affected patients. Other factors involved include when and where the event took place, the number of people in the area, the material in the area, whether the explosion was nuclear, mechanical, or chemical, how far the victim was from the explosion, and what protection was available, if any. The type and severity of the impact depends on many factors though the principle mechanism driving the extent of injuries is the amount of kinetic energy released over a short period of time.
Explosions are unique in their ability to inflict acute injuries on many people at the same time, resulting in high levels of mortality and morbidity.
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