Thread: Blast Injuries
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Old 12-28-2004, 00:39   #21
SF West
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 5
Ied tactics getting better/shockwave injuries/treating compound fractures

This is a very good thread!
Great topic!
Have you ever heard of or treated broken bones from the shockwave of a blast?
It seems with the concussive force that is emitted from such explosives like IEDs, Mines, RPG's, and other mixed explosives, that they could easily break bones with the shockwave if they go off relatively near someone.

I once had an opportunity, or rather, responsibility to treat a compound fracture.
It was on a boy scout outing and we were rappeling, this guy was heading down the face and dropped way too fast for about the last 15 feet. His calf snapped in half and was protruding from his skin. We got the leg relatively straight and immediately applied pressure to stop the bleeding. We stopped the bleeding fairly quickly, but were ill prepared to set or mend the fracture at all, we made a migshift stretcher and carried him down the mountain (Mt. Si). We then drove him to the nearest hospital. He was just fine. It took him a good long while to heal and at times now he still has a limp. Sucks for him.

Just thought I'd mention that, first aid has been something I've been interested in.

The tactics being used for these explosives is becoming ever more intelligent, i.e.,
soldiers get out of a vehicle after a IED goes of, a second goes off injuring the soldiers. With an enemy growing more intelligent, the role of the medic and combat surgeon are more vital than ever. And for those of you who are Medics or Trioge doctors, I bow to you, for you have all my respect for your integral role in this nations military.
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