Which blast injury type results from the over-pressurization wave impacting the body surface, causing tympanic membrane rupture and pulmonary injury?

• A. Secondary Blast Injury
• B. Primary Blast Injury
• C. Tertiary Blast Injury
• D. Quaternary Blast Injuries

Answer: (B)

Primary blast injuries arise from the blast’s over-pressurization wave directly impacting the body. That sudden, high-pressure surge causes rapid compression and decompression of air-filled structures, so the ears and lungs are especially vulnerable. Tympanic membrane rupture is a classic sign of this mechanism, and pulmonary injury can result from barotrauma to the lung tissue and air sacs. The other blast injury types come from different mechanisms: secondary injuries come from projectiles causing penetrating trauma, tertiary injuries from the body being thrown and striking another object, and quaternary injuries from other explosion effects like burns, inhalation of toxic substances, or crush injuries. Because the scenario describes damage specifically from the pressure wave affecting the body and causing ear rupture and lung injury, it fits primary blast injury.