Bomb-related injuries

Abstract

Between 1980 and 1990 there were 12,216 bombing incidents in the United States, the majority involving pipe-bomb type devices. Victims of such devices may suffer a combination of blast, penetrating, and thermal injuries requiring special surgical approaches. A series of cases is presented which illustrates the management dilemmas faced in such situations. Given the nationwide incidence of bombings, both local emergency medical systems and trauma surgeons should be prepared to deal with blast injuries, be aware of their regional incidence of bombings, and have a planned response that is coordinated with law enforcement agencies.