What is the definition of blunt trauma?

Blunt trauma is defined as an injury that occurs due to impact forces that do not penetrate the skin. This means that when a person experiences blunt trauma, the injury is typically the result of collision or forceful impact, such as being struck by an object, being in a car accident, or falling onto a hard surface. The key characteristic of blunt trauma is that there is no break in the skin, distinguishing it from penetrating trauma, where an object breaches the skin and internal tissues.

This definition encompasses various mechanisms of injury, including falls and vehicle collisions, as these scenarios can produce significant force without lacerating the skin. It's important to recognize this distinction because the management and assessment of blunt injuries differ significantly from those of penetrating injuries. Understanding blunt trauma is crucial for emergency responders as they evaluate and treat patients who may have sustained injuries from such mechanisms.