Blast injuries

Abstract

The pathological investigation of deaths due to explosions presents the pathologist with a unique set of professional challenges as a result of the complex nature of blast-related polytrauma itself and the wider circumstances surrounding such deaths. In contemporary society with its heightened threat of terrorist activity, the well-documented problem of landmines, and ongoing military conflicts in many parts of the world, the chances of involvement in the investigation of such deaths grows year upon year, and no pathologist either conducting such autopsies or involved in any aspect of civil contingency planning can afford to be ignorant of the effects of blast and the investigative approach to such cases. The aim of this chapter is to provide an introduction to the phenomenon of blast, the nature of blast-related injuries to the human body, and to outline the investigation of such deaths from a pathological perspective. It is written on the basis of over 10 years of involvement in blast-related research and the practical experience of dealing with over 300 deceased victims of explosions from over 150 separate incidents in both civilian and military contexts.