Table 5.

Distinctions between high-level blast (HLB) and low-level blast (LLB).

	HLB	LLB
Examples	Improvised explosive devices (IEDs)	Carl Gustav bazooka, Howitzer cannon, explosive breaching charges
Source	Typically the result of incoming munitions; being on the receiving end of enemy-initiated weapon fire	Typically the result of outgoing munitions; being the source of the fired weapon
Setting	Typically occurs during operational settings and environments	Typically occurs during both training and operational settings and environments
Intensity	Typically higher in experienced pounds per square inch (psi)	Typically lower in experienced pounds per square inch (psi)
Predictability	Typically not predictable	Can presumably be predicted if one knows a unit's given operational tempo and training schedule
Occupation	Typically experienced by military personnel and shows heterogeneity within an individual occupation	Typically experienced by military and law enforcement personnel and shows homogeneity within an individual occupation
Corresponding physical injuries	Frequently associated with injuries beyond primary blast injury including secondary, tertiary, quaternary, and quinary blast injury	May be associated with primary blast injury, but is rarely associated with injuries beyond primary blast injury
Corresponding psychological stressors	Can involve psychological trauma, such as fearing for one's own life or seeing dead or maimed bodies, but is unlikely to be associated with guilt over harming others	Can involve psychological trauma, such as guilt over harming others, but is unlikely to be associated with fear for one's own life