Military operations involving explosion of improvised explosive device [IED], military personnel digital illustration

Military operations involving explosion of improvised explosive device [IED], military personnel Save


ICD-10 code: Y37.230

Chapter: External causes of morbidity and mortality

Military operations involving explosion of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and their impact on military personnel

Military operations are inherently dangerous, but the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) has become a constant threat to military personnel. IEDs are low-tech, but highly effective weapons that can be made with common materials and can cause severe damage to military vehicles and personnel.

The impact of IEDs on military personnel can range from minor injuries to death. Even if the soldiers survive the blast, they can suffer from long-term physical and mental health issues, such as hearing loss, traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression.

The military has taken various measures to minimize the risk of IED attacks, such as training soldiers to detect and avoid IEDs, using armored vehicles, and developing new technologies to disable or detonate IEDs safely. However, despite these efforts, IED attacks remain a significant threat to military personnel.

  1. Training: Soldiers are trained to identify and avoid IEDs. They are taught to look for signs such as disturbed earth, wires, and suspicious objects. They are also trained on how to respond to an IED attack and provide first aid to their fellow soldiers.
  2. Armored vehicles: Armored vehicles are designed to withstand IED blasts and protect the soldiers inside. They have a V-shaped hull that deflects the blast away from the vehicle and reduces the impact on the soldiers.
  3. New technologies: The military is constantly developing new technologies to detect, disable, and detonate IEDs safely. For example, they have developed robots that can disable IEDs from a safe distance and jamming devices that can disrupt the communication between the IED and its trigger.

In conclusion, the use of IEDs in military operations is a significant threat to military personnel. The military has taken various measures to minimize the risk of IED attacks, but they remain a constant danger. Soldiers who survive IED attacks can suffer from long-term physical and mental health issues that can impact their quality of life. It is essential for the military to continue to develop new technologies and training programs to protect their soldiers from IED attacks.