Blast Injuries

Abstract

To compare injury patterns resulting from explosions in the open air versus within confined spaces. Medical charts of 297 victims of four bombing events were analyzed. Two explosions occurred in the open air and two inside buses. Similar explosive devices were applied in all four incidents. The incidence of primary blast injuries, significant penetrating trauma (Abbreviated Injury Scale Score, > or = 2), burns, Injury Severity Score, Revised Trauma Score, and mortality were compared between the two populations. A total of 204 casualties were involved in open-air bombings, 15 of whom died (7.8%). Ninety-three victims were involved in bus bombings, 46 of whom died (49%). The difference in mortality rate was highly significant, p Conclusion Explosions in confined spaces are associated with a higher incidence of primary blast injuries, with more severe injuries and with a higher mortality rate in comparison with explosions in the open air.