In blast injuries, which phase is responsible for tympanic membrane rupture and pulmonary barotrauma?

In blast injuries, which phase is responsible for tympanic membrane rupture and pulmonary barotrauma?

• A. Tertiary blast injuries
• B. Primary blast injuries
• C. Secondary blast injuries
• D. Quaternary blast injuries

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that the initial blast overpressure—the shock wave reaching the body—causes primary blast injuries. This overpressure directly affects gas-filled organs, so the tympanic membrane is particularly vulnerable and often ruptures. The lungs are also highly susceptible to rapid pressure changes, leading to pulmonary barotrauma from alveolar rupture or edema. These injuries occur from the pressure wave itself, not from flying debris or blunt trauma later in the sequence. Other phases of blast injuries involve secondary projectiles, tertiary body displacement, or quaternary effects like burns or inhalation, but tympanic membrane rupture and pulmonary barotrauma stem from the primary blast overpressure.

The key idea is that the initial blast overpressure—the shock wave reaching the body—causes primary blast injuries. This overpressure directly affects gas-filled organs, so the tympanic membrane is particularly vulnerable and often ruptures. The lungs are also highly susceptible to rapid pressure changes, leading to pulmonary barotrauma from alveolar rupture or edema. These injuries occur from the pressure wave itself, not from flying debris or blunt trauma later in the sequence. Other phases of blast injuries involve secondary projectiles, tertiary body displacement, or quaternary effects like burns or inhalation, but tympanic membrane rupture and pulmonary barotrauma stem from the primary blast overpressure.