In an instant, an explosion or blast can wreak havoc; causing numerous injuries not commonly seen after natural disasters such as floods or hurricanes. And unfortunately, as many of us see daily through news reports, explosions are by far the most common cause of injuries associated with terrorism. 

While we hope that these types of events will not occur, we also feel it is important to be prepared. As part of National Preparedness Month, we encourage health care providers and health care systems to review and update their emergency plans and to learn more about the essential facts on the treatment of blast injuries.

To help with this, we have developed fact sheets and training tools for health care providers that can help reduce injuries from bombings.  We have also been providing trainings nationally and internationally to teach health care providers about blast injury preparedness and response. Below are some of the key facts:

• Communication with bombing victims may be difficult, as they may experience ringing in the ears and/or sudden temporary or permanent hearing loss.
• Expect that a large number or surge of patients, friends, and loved ones will arrive at the closest available hospital within minutes of the event. This can cause hospital and emergency care resources to become overwhelmed.
• Individuals in the area should not rush to the site of the event, as multiple, simultaneous attacks can occur, resulting in very large numbers of casualties.
• Most injuries in a bombing are not life-threatening.
• Explosions in closed spaces, such as in subways or buses, or combined with a building or structural collapse, result in a greater number of injuries and deaths.
• Triage and life saving treatment should never be delayed because of the possibility of radioactive contamination of the victim. In general, the risk of exposure to caregivers is small.

At CDC we are working closely with health care providers and hospitals to help save lives in America and around the world wherever an emergency occurs. However, we encourage you to help by making sure you and your family are prepared for all types of emergencies by taking the following steps:

1. Prepare an emergency kit.

2. Create a family emergency plan.