Chapter 27

• The science of analyzing mechanisms of injury
• Helps you to predict the kind and extent of injuries as a basis for your priority decisions regarding continuing assessment, care, and transport

The branch of mechanics dealing with the movements of bodies, so understanding kinetics is helpful in understanding mechanisms of injury and trauma

A body at rest will remain at rest, and a body in motion will remain in motion, unless acted upon by an outside force

The path or motion of a projectile during its travel

The way energy is transferred to the human body from the force acting on it

The factors that slow a bullet down, such as wind resistance

The impact point of the bullet

The cavity in the body tissues formed by a pressure wave resulting from the kinetic energy of the bullet

A bullet that breaks up into small pieces or releases small pieces upon impact increases the body damage

• Due to the pressure wave of the blast
• Primarily affect the gas-containing organs

• Due to flying debris propelled by the force of the blast, or blast wind.
• Lacerations, impaled objects, fractures, and burns

Occur when the patient is thrown away from the source of the blast

Can manage all types of trauma 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

• Can manage most trauma with surgical capabilities 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• They are capable of stabilizing more specialized trauma patients ad then transferring them to a level I center

• Has some surgical capability and specially trained emergency department personnel to manage trauma
• Focuses on stabilizing the seriously injured trauma patient and then transferring to a higher-level center

Small community hospital in a remote area capable of stabilizing seriously injured trauma patients ad then transferring them to a high-level trauma center