Identifying a Patient at Low Risk for Visceral Blast Injury Based on Status of the Ear Drums (Tympanic Membranes)

Rule: If both ear drums are intact, then it is unlikely that lungs or gastrointestinal tract will show significant blast injury.

If there is damage to one or both ear drums, then:

(1) the lungs are more likely to be injured if the person was exposed to an air blast

(2) the gastrointestinal tract is more likely to be injured if the person was exposed to an underwater blast

Exceptions:

(1) The person was wearing ear protection at the time of the blast.

(2) In the event of an underwater blast, the head was above water at the time of the blast.