Which organ is most susceptible to rapid pressure changes in an explosion, requiring immediate attention to airway and breathing?

Which organ is most susceptible to rapid pressure changes in an explosion, requiring immediate attention to airway and breathing?

• A. Brain
• B. Lungs
• C. Hair
• D. Stomach

Answer: (B)

Rapid pressure changes from an explosion act on gas-filled organs, with the lungs being most vulnerable because they rely on intact elastic alveoli for ventilation. The blast overpressure can cause pulmonary barotrauma, pneumothorax, contusions, edema, and hemorrhage, all of which rapidly compromise gas exchange. Because airway and breathing are immediately threatened, securing the airway and providing adequate ventilation with high-flow oxygen is the top EMS priority after a blast. While the brain can be affected secondarily by hypoxia or direct injury, the lungs’ vulnerability to the blast’s pressure makes them the critical first concern. Hair and stomach don’t present immediate threats to airway or breathing in this scenario.

Rapid pressure changes from an explosion act on gas-filled organs, with the lungs being most vulnerable because they rely on intact elastic alveoli for ventilation. The blast overpressure can cause pulmonary barotrauma, pneumothorax, contusions, edema, and hemorrhage, all of which rapidly compromise gas exchange. Because airway and breathing are immediately threatened, securing the airway and providing adequate ventilation with high-flow oxygen is the top EMS priority after a blast. While the brain can be affected secondarily by hypoxia or direct injury, the lungs’ vulnerability to the blast’s pressure makes them the critical first concern. Hair and stomach don’t present immediate threats to airway or breathing in this scenario.