Which blast injury is caused by the initial pressure wave?

Which blast injury is caused by the initial pressure wave?

• A. Secondary blast injuries are caused by debris and shrapnel.
• B. Tertiary blast injuries result from body being thrown.
• C. Quaternary blast injuries involve miscellaneous effects.
• D. Primary blast injuries are caused by the initial pressure wave.

Answer: (D)

The initial pressure wave from an explosion causes primary blast injuries. This overpressure is the shock wave that hits the body in the moment of detonation and is responsible for injuries to air-filled organs and tissues. Because it is the sudden rise in ambient pressure, it can damage the ears (often causing tympanic membrane rupture), the lungs (pulmonary barotrauma or contusion), and can even injure hollow organs in the abdomen. These injuries happen directly from the pressure change, not from objects or forces that come afterward. Secondary blast injuries come from debris and shrapnel striking the body, which is a different mechanism. Tertiary blast injuries occur when the person is thrown by the blast and impacts another object. Quaternary blast injuries include other explosion-related effects, like burns, inhalation of toxic gases, or burns from hot gases. So the injuries caused by the initial pressure wave are the primary blast injuries.

The initial pressure wave from an explosion causes primary blast injuries. This overpressure is the shock wave that hits the body in the moment of detonation and is responsible for injuries to air-filled organs and tissues. Because it is the sudden rise in ambient pressure, it can damage the ears (often causing tympanic membrane rupture), the lungs (pulmonary barotrauma or contusion), and can even injure hollow organs in the abdomen. These injuries happen directly from the pressure change, not from objects or forces that come afterward.

Secondary blast injuries come from debris and shrapnel striking the body, which is a different mechanism. Tertiary blast injuries occur when the person is thrown by the blast and impacts another object. Quaternary blast injuries include other explosion-related effects, like burns, inhalation of toxic gases, or burns from hot gases. So the injuries caused by the initial pressure wave are the primary blast injuries.