Trauma can be defined as a serious injury or shock to the body in which is a result from an accident or some form of violence. There are several different types of trauma. We are going to look at blunt force and penetrating. Psychological trauma is also a serious type in which can result from abuse, war, or any type of mental disorder. Usually this type is not physical but can result from a physical injury as well.

Blunt force trauma, a type of physical trauma is injury to the body in which the soft tissues, internal organs, and cavities are not penetrated. Such things as a baseball bats and fists, are examples of weapons that can be used in blunt trauma. Of course intentional means are not the only way blunt force trauma is delivered. Motor vehicle accidents and falls are actually two of the most common forms. Some of the results of this type are concussions, abrasions, lacerations, and bone fractures. Anytime blunt trauma is suspected, it is important to first get the person involved immediate medical care. There could be internal damage so severe that a person’s life would be in danger and you could not tell from the outside. Progressive damage to internal organs as a result of a motor vehicle accident is very likely and should be taken serious during an examination. Checking for bleeding, back/neck injury, and problems breathing are very important in this type of trauma.

Another type is penetrating. In this type an object has penetrated the soft tissue, organs, cavities, and creating an open wound.  Penetrating trauma is said to be the second leading cause of death in the United States.  Some causes of penetrating trauma can be that of a knife or any object that can break or pierce the skin, a bullet is another cause of this type. In the case of a bullet, the path may not be easily predicted due to the ricochet effect it can have on the body internally. A knife can cause more damage to the internal organs if removed improperly. As with all types of trauma, penetrating can also be unintentional as well as intentional. Such as impalement by a fall or some other means such as an accident or Intentional as in a fight or self-inflicted.

Regardless of the type of trauma, immediate medical attention should be of the upmost importance. Even if the victim is alert and appears to have no apparent signs or symptoms, there could be something internal or something that may develop later on after an incident or accident. Do not take this type of injury lightly.