Electroencephalogram, circulation, and lung function after high-velocity behind armor blunt trauma

Area of Science:

• Traumatology
• Ballistics
• Neurophysiology

Background:

• Behind armor blunt trauma (BABT) results from ballistic impacts on body armor, transferring kinetic energy and causing internal injuries.
• This study addresses the physiological consequences of non-penetrating ballistic impacts on personal protective equipment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate electroencephalogram (EEG) and physiological parameter changes following high-velocity BABT.
• To assess the acute effects of simulated ballistic impacts on an armored thorax.

Main Methods:

• Anesthetized pigs wearing body armor were subjected to 7.62-mm rifle rounds (approx. 800 m/s) impacting the armored thorax.
• EEG and physiological parameters were monitored for 2 hours post-impact, compared to controls shot with blank ammunition.

Main Results:

• All pigs survived the experimental period.
• Five exposed pigs exhibited temporary EEG alterations.
• Exposed pigs showed decreased cardiac capacity and impaired blood oxygenation, with postmortem findings of hematomas and lung crush injuries.

Conclusions:

• High-velocity BABT induces significant circulatory and respiratory dysfunction in an animal model.
• Transient cerebral functional disturbances can occur following high-velocity BABT.