NCJ Number
192402
Date Published
2000
Length
17 pages
Annotation
In this chapter an introduction to the care of injuries caused by conventional explosives and incendiary devices is presented.
Abstract
Terrorists utilize many weapons. However, their weapons of choice remain bombs and incendiary devices. The ability to care for casualties due to these weapons is extremely important in any domestic response to terrorism. This chapter provides information to EMS providers on the effects of these potential and common threats and assists in their proficiency in treating these blast and burn injuries. The chapter begins with an overview of explosives, with an emphasis on blast characteristics, modifying factors, secondary effects, body position, special consideration injuries, assessment, management, and triage. The discussion continues with an overview of crush injuries where a victim is subjected to severe compressive forces. There are several issues to be considered in the care and treatment of a victim that becomes buried or crushed: explosive mechanism, other injuries, pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, and pre-hospital management. In treating and caring for shrapnel injuries the following issues must be addressed: energy exchange, tissue damage, connective tissue, solid organs, hollow organs, lungs, bone, assessment, management, and triage. Finally, issues regarding the care and treatment of injuries from incendiary and burn injuries include: mechanism of burns, medical effects, body surface areas, assessment, management, and fluid resuscitation. Understanding the basic mechanisms of injury and the acknowledgement of key signs and symptoms is seen as important to the successful field treatment of the injured victims.