What is NOT a component of the blast triad?

The blast triad, which is commonly associated with blast injuries, consists of three critical components: hypotension, apnea, and bradycardia. These elements are significant because they reflect the physiological responses commonly observable following a blast event.

Hypotension occurs due to the loss of blood volume or shock from traumatic injury, which can lead to decreased perfusion to vital organs. Apnea indicates a cessation of breathing, often resulting from trauma to the respiratory centers of the brain or neuromuscular failure. Bradycardia, a slower heart rate, can occur as a reflex response to hypoxia or as part of the body's physiological reaction to severe stress or injury.

In contrast, a hematoma is a localized collection of blood outside of blood vessels, typically resulting from bleeding due to broken blood vessels. While hematomas can certainly occur in trauma situations, they do not constitute a characteristic response within the blast triad and are not considered one of its defining components. Understanding the differences between these medical terms and their implications is crucial for tactical paramedics when assessing and managing victims of blast injuries.