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Module 8 Reviewer

Blast injuries result from explosions and can affect multiple body systems through various mechanisms such as pressure waves and flying fragments. Emergency care involves scene safety, triage, and specific assessments for injuries, with common complications including blast lung and PTSD. The role of first responders includes rapid assessment, first aid, and preparation for transport.

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8 views3 pages

Module 8 Reviewer

Blast injuries result from explosions and can affect multiple body systems through various mechanisms such as pressure waves and flying fragments. Emergency care involves scene safety, triage, and specific assessments for injuries, with common complications including blast lung and PTSD. The role of first responders includes rapid assessment, first aid, and preparation for transport.

Uploaded by

haizeljung
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Blast injuries are trauma caused by explosions.

These injuries are often complex and


multi-systemic, affecting the body through pressure, fragments, heat, and being thrown.

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💣 Types of Explosions
1. High-order explosives (HE) – e.g., TNT, C4

Produce shockwaves

2. Low-order explosives (LE) – e.g., gunpowder, fireworks

Produce rapid burning, not shockwaves

🔥 Blast Injury Mechanisms (Types of Blast Injuries)


Type Mechanism Examples of Injuries

Primary Caused by pressure wave Lung injury, ruptured


(blast wave) eardrum, abdominal bleeding

Secondary Penetrating wounds, eye


Caused by flying fragments injuries abdominal bleeding

Tertiary Caused by being thrown by Fractures, traumatic brain


the blast injury, blunt trauma

Quaternary Other effects like burns, toxic gas, crush


injury​ Burns, inhalation
injuries, amputation,
psychological trauma
🫁 Most Commonly Affected Organs
Lungs (blast lung – life- in ears (tinnitus), bleeding
Gastrointestinal​ Nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting blood
Musculoskeletal​ Fractures, amputations, bruising, limping

🚨 Emergency Care Principles


1. Scene Safety – Avoid secondary explosions.
2. Triage (START or SALT) – Quickly classify patients by injury severity
3. ABC Assessment – Airway, Breathing, Circulation.
4. Control Bleeding – Use tourniquets or pressure dressings
5. Oxygen Therapy – Especially for blast lungs.
6. Fluid Resuscitation – For shock and bleeding.
7. Monitor for Signs of TBI – GCS scoring.
8. Psychological First Aid – For victims in distress.

🧯 Field Triage Categories (SALT Method)


Triage Color​ Condition

Red (Immediate)​ Severe bleeding, respiratory distress, unconscious


Yellow (Delayed)​ Stable injuries but needs care
Green (Minimal)​ Minor injuries, walking wounded
Black (Expectant)​ Deceased or beyond help

🧪 Diagnostic Tools
Chest X-ray / CT scan – for internal injuries

FAST ultrasound – for abdominal bleeding

Hearing tests

Psych eval – for PTSD and acute stress

⚠️ Complications
Blast lung (delayed onset respiratory failure)

Infections from open wounds

Amputation-related issues
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Shock (hypovolemic or neurogenic)

🧍‍♂️ Role of the Nurse or First Responder


Rapid assessment and triage

Apply first aid (bleeding control, immobilization)

Oxygen administration

Psychological reassurance

Prepare for transport

Document injury mechanisms and findings

🧠 Quick Mnemonic – "BLAST INJURY"


B – Bleeding control
L – Lung assessment
A – Airway management
S – Secondary fragment wounds
T – Triage priority
I – Immobilization
N – Neurological signs (TBI?)
J – Just keep calm (Psychological aid)
U – Use PPE & ensure scene safety
R – Rapid transport if needed
Y – Your role matters!

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