Extra-Auditory Effects of Single and Multiple Blasts

Blast injuries occur only on gas-containing structures: auditory system, upper respiratory tract, lung and gastro-intestinal tract. The severity of the injuries depends upon the physical characteristics of the shock waves: peak pressure, rise time and A-duration, and upon the number of exposures. We present results obtained on swine and sheep concerning tracheal, pulmonary, gastrointestinal injuries, and a survival estimate for man.