OVERVIEW

Explosive events occur in many settings. They can have a variety of etiologies, which can be accidental or intentional. Many blasts damage only property, but every explosion can be classified as a potential injury-creating event (PICE). It is the human impact with which this chapter is mostly concerned. Injuries may occur to individuals or groups. Massive and multiple explosions may affect entire communities or larger regions, resulting in a disaster situation. According to Noji, “A disaster is defined as a natural or manmade event that results in an imbalance between the supply and demand for existing resources.”

Most explosive events are unlikely to result in major catastrophes, as defined by Lumley and Ryan, “where the social fabric of a society is disrupted and the medical infrastructure fails.” Some important exceptions exist, however. A single bombing of the only hospital in a region may cause temporary failure of that local healthcare system, until external resources can be mobilized. Multiple, intentional explosions specifically targeting critical services may impact a larger population to a greater degree. A nuclear detonation would likely disable much of a city's infrastructure.