Document Detail


Improvised explosive devices: pathophysiology, injury profiles and current medical management.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  20397601     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
The improvised explosive device (IED), in all its forms, has become the most significant threat to troops operating in Afghanistan and Iraq. These devices range from rudimentary home made explosives to sophisticated weapon systems containing high-grade explosives. Within this broad definition they may be classified as roadside explosives and blast mines, explosive formed pojectile (EFP) devices and suicide bombings. Each of these groups causeinjury through a number of different mechanisms and can result in vastly different injury profiles. The "Global War on Terror" has meant that incidents which were previously exclusively seen in conflict areas, can occur anywhere, and clinicians who are involved in emergency trauma care may be required to manage casualties from similar terrorist attacks. An understanding of the types of devices and their pathophysiological effects is necessary to allow proper planning of mass casualty events and to allow appropriate management of the complex poly-trauma casualties they invariably cause. The aim of this review article is to firstly describe the physics and injury profile from these different devices and secondly to present the current clinical evidence that underpins their medical management.
Authors:
A Ramasamy; A M Hill; J C Clasper
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Review    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Journal of the Royal Army Medical Corps     Volume:  155     ISSN:  0035-8665     ISO Abbreviation:  J R Army Med Corps     Publication Date:  2009 Dec 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2010-04-19     Completed Date:  2011-01-06     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  7505627     Medline TA:  J R Army Med Corps     Country:  England    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  265-72     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College, Royal School of Mines, South Kensington, London. a.ramasamy09@imperial.ac.uk
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Afghan Campaign 2001-
Afghanistan
Amputation
Blast Injuries / drug therapy,  physiopathology,  surgery*
Bombs*
Explosive Agents*
Great Britain
Humans
Iraq
Iraq War, 2003 -
Military Medicine*
Military Personnel
War*
Wounds and Injuries*
Chemical
Reg. No./Substance:
0/Explosive Agents

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