Major Wound Care

Blast Injuries

For Canadians working in the mining and construction industries, explosives are a workplace hazard. There are three mechanisms of injury from an explosion:

• Injuries from being struck by material thrown by the blast
• Injuries from being thrown by the blast
• Injuries to hollow organs, including the lungs, caused by the shock wave from the blast

Signs and symptoms of a blast injury include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Headache and/or ringing ears
• Coughing up frothy blood
• Chest pain
• Superficial wounds from flying debris
• Blood in urine or stools

Note that the signs and symptoms of a blast injury may show up a few hours later if there is only internal injury and/or the casualty did not realize the severity of their injuries.

First Aid for a Blast Injury

To give first aid for a blast injury, perform the following steps:

1. Perform a scene survey. If the casualty was thrown by the blast, suspect a head or spinal injury and prevent any unnecessary movement.
2. Send for medical help.
3. Perform a primary survey.
4. Place the casualty in a semi-sitting position if there is no suspected head or spinal injury.
5. Monitor breathing closely.
6. Give ongoing casualty care.