Quaternary blast injury can include which of the following?

Quaternary blast injuries encompass a range of injuries that occur in the aftermath of an explosion, primarily related to the environment impacted by the primary, secondary, and tertiary blast effects. These injuries can include thermal injuries, chemical exposures, and other physical trauma caused by the explosion and its aftermath.

Burns and crush injuries fall under this category, as they can arise from debris, flames, or the heat generated by the blast. For instance, individuals may suffer from burns due to the explosion’s fireball or thermal radiation, while crush injuries may occur if they are trapped under falling debris or structural collapses resulting from the blast.

In contrast, pressure wave injuries are considered primary blast injuries, which are directly caused by the shockwave of the explosion. Vomiting from anxiety may occur psychologically and does not relate specifically to the physical injuries typical of quaternary effects. Countable projectile wounds are more aptly categorized as secondary blast injuries, where shrapnel or debris is propelled by the force of the explosion and impacts the victim. Thus, the inclusion of burns and crush injuries as part of quaternary blast injuries aligns accurately with the broader implications of explosions on human health and safety.