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

Description

Primary blast injuries may leave no or few external signs. The ear drums (tympanic membranes) have a lower threshold for damage and rupture than the lungs or gastrointestinal tract. Examination of the ear drums can be used to quickly screen a patient exposed to a blast.


 

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.

 


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