Terrorism and blast explosions: lessons for the Australian surgical community

The prospect of a terrorist attack against Australian interests is currently being debated across our society. The explosive blast attack is most favoured by terrorists. Blast injuries create unique patterns of multisystem injury with contaminated wounds and extensive devitalized tissue. Australian civilian surgeons are increasingly likely to be involved in the management of these injuries, either in response to a terrorist incident in Australia or as part of delayed management of Australian nationals injured overseas. An appreciation of the unique complexities of blast injuries is equally important to both military and civilian surgeons. This paper covers the mechanisms and pathophysiology of blast injuries and discusses issues of surgical management as they would apply to an Australian civilian setting.