Blast Injuries.

Source: PubMed, NCBI / U.S. National Library of Medicine

Blast injuries present a unique challenge in trauma care due to their complex pathophysiology and potential to cause multisystem damage. Unlike conventional trauma, explosions generate a combination of penetrating, blunt, thermal, and barotrauma injuries, requiring a multidisciplinary approach. The increasing prevalence of terrorist attacks, military conflicts, and industrial explosions has contributed to a global rise in blast-related casualties, affecting both military personnel and civilians.This chapter integrates clinical experience, current evidence, and established guidelines to provide a comprehensive framework for evaluating and managing blast injuries. Key areas discussed include the epidemiology, classification, injury mechanisms, and organ-specific impact of blast trauma, with a focus on neurotrauma, pulmonary injuries, cardiovascular compromise, auditory and ocular trauma, and musculoskeletal damage.Additionally, we present a pragmatic protocol for initial trauma bay management, emphasizing early recognition, timely interventions, and coordinated multidisciplinary care. Given the complexity of blast injuries, we advocate for the establishment of a research consortium to refine current management strategies and optimize patient outcomes. Through a deeper understanding of blast physics, injury patterns, and treatment approaches, clinicians can improve survival and long-term recovery for both military and civilian blast victims.