Types of Blast Injuries

Vocabulary flashcards covering the four categories of blast injuries and their specific physical impacts as described in the lecture notes.

Primary blast injury

Injury to air-filled organs such as the lungs, ears, bowels, & sinuses, which may include a pneumothorax or rupture of the tympanic membrane.

Secondary blast injuries

Injuries caused by the projectiles themselves such as glass or nails resulting in blunt or penetrating trauma, & lacerations.

Tertiary blast injuries

Injuries caused by being thrown from the blast wave & into another object or the ground resulting in blunt or penetrating trauma along with the risk for crush injury & compartment syndrome.

Quaternary blast injuries

Injuries that can cause burns, toxic exposures, & exacerbation of chronic illnesses.

Air-filled organs

The specific organs affected by primary blast injuries, including the lungs, ears, bowels, & sinuses.