North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

What type of injuries does the secondary blast phase primarily cause?

1. Thermal burns

2. Blast wave injuries

3. Blunt and penetration injuries

4. Fractures

The correct answer is: Blunt and penetration injuries

The secondary blast phase primarily causes blunt and penetration injuries as a result of debris propelled by the force of the blast. During this phase, objects in the environment may be dislodged and become projectiles, striking individuals and causing trauma. This can lead to contusions, lacerations, and various forms of blunt force injuries. In comparison, thermal burns are primarily associated with the initial explosion and resultant fire, while blast wave injuries are a result of the primary blast phase, affecting air-filled organs and impacting pressure shock waves. Fractures can occur but are also generally secondary to the blunt and penetrating trauma caused by flying debris. Therefore, the nature of injuries during the secondary phase is largely characterized by the impact of these projectile objects on the body.