Blast Physics and Pathophysiology of Explosive Injuries

The medical professional’s approach to a blast incident and the resulting patients is a difficult one. Explosions, whether accidental or intentional, wreak physical and psychological havoc on the patients, as well as the medical professionals involved with incident response and caring for the victims. It is further complicated by the fact that most first responders and physicians have little to no experience handling the aftereffects of an explosion, which only adds anxiety to the situation. Data in the United States have indicated approximately 200 injuries or fatalities per year from bombing incidents; with approximately 40,000 physicians practicing emergency medicine and severalfold more emergency responders, one could go his or her entire career without encountering a blast injury. 1 Champion H. Holcomb J. Young L. Injuries from explosions: physics, biophysics, pathology, and required research focus. J Trauma. 2009; 66: 1468-1477 Crossref PubMed Scopus (97) Google Scholar , 2 Suter R.E. Emergency medicine in the United States: a systemic review. World J Emerg Med. 2012; 3: 5-10 Crossref PubMed Google Scholar As with any unfamiliar situation, understanding the basics of the inciting factors and the pathophysiology of blast injury can provide a strong foundation on how to treat and, ideally, prevent the sequelae of an explosion. Pathophysiology of Primary Blast InjuryAnnals of Emergency MedicineVol. 70Issue 1PreviewI read with great interest the recent Annals supplement titled “Best Practices for Management of Explosive Incidents.” I commend Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center for funding and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital for accomplishing this project. Full-Text PDF In reply:Annals of Emergency MedicineVol. 70Issue 1PreviewThe comments we received in response to the supplement chapter “Blast Physics and Pathophysiology”1 are much appreciated. We also appreciate and recognize the commenter’s significant contributions to the subject matter. Full-Text PDF