In blast injuries, secondary blast injury is caused by what mechanism?

In blast injuries, secondary blast injury is caused by what mechanism?

• A. The blast itself
• B. Shrapnel
• C. Body being thrown against a solid object
• D. Heat of explosion

Answer: (B)

Secondary blast injuries come from debris and fragments propelled by the explosion—shrapnel. When the charge detonates, fragments from the device and surrounding materials hurtle outward at high speed, causing penetrating trauma to tissues and organs. This distinguishes it from injuries caused by the blast overpressure itself (primary), by the body being thrown and struck against solid objects (tertiary), or from burns and other effects from the explosion (quaternary). So, shrapnel is the mechanism behind secondary blast injury.

Secondary blast injuries come from debris and fragments propelled by the explosion—shrapnel. When the charge detonates, fragments from the device and surrounding materials hurtle outward at high speed, causing penetrating trauma to tissues and organs. This distinguishes it from injuries caused by the blast overpressure itself (primary), by the body being thrown and struck against solid objects (tertiary), or from burns and other effects from the explosion (quaternary). So, shrapnel is the mechanism behind secondary blast injury.