What occurs during a tertiary blast?

During a tertiary blast, a casualty is thrown into solid objects due to the force of the explosion. This occurs as the blast wave generates highly unstable conditions, creating air pressure variations that can propel individuals or objects at high velocity. The kinetic energy from this explosive force can lead to significant trauma when a person collides with structures such as walls, vehicles, or the ground.

In contrast, shrapnel injuries, overpressure effects, and superficial injuries are more characteristic of other phases of a blast effect. Shrapnel typically pertains to projectiles and debris ejected from the explosion, overpressure refers to the increased pressure wave generated by the explosion that can cause internal injuries and organ damage, and superficial injuries are generally less severe, often involving only the skin. Understanding these distinctions helps in diagnosing and treating injuries resulting from explosive incidents appropriately.