Trauma part 2: Non-ballistic trauma

Injuries from blunt forces

Injuries from blunt forces (abrasions, bruises, and lacerations) happen in two different ways; application of a force to the body by a blunt instrument or contact between the body and a surface--for example, a wall or the ground.

Abrasions--An abrasion (graze or scratch) is a superficial injury to the skin in which the epidermis is removed by friction. Examples include fingernail scratches, imprints caused by car tyres, or grazing caused by dragging a body over a rough surface.

Bruises--A bruise (contusion) is a blunt force injury that occurs when blood vessels in the skin or within an internal organ are damaged. The resulting bleeding may be small (petechial) or large (haematoma). The extent to which a person bruises depends on age (older people bruise more easily), sex (women bruise more easily than men), the presence of underlying disease--for example, haemophilia, liver diseases, and alcoholism--and the use of anticoagulant therapy.

Lacerations--A laceration (tear) is a wound--a breach in both the dermis and epidermis--caused by the application of blunt force. It is usually distinguished from penetrative or incised wounds by its irregular edges and relative lack of bleeding.

Injuries from sharp forces

Sharp instruments--for example, knives, razor blades, and glass--exert sharp forces that can cause incised and penetrating wounds. In both, the …