What Every Security Professional Needs to Know About Blunt Force

In this article, we delve into the realm of blunt force trauma, demystifying its nature and consequences. We'll explore the injuries it can cause and the often-overlooked significance of protection from blunt force.

What is 'Blunt Force,' and What Injuries Can Result?

To begin, let's define 'blunt force trauma' in simple terms. It encompasses injuries caused when a solid object strikes the body with significant force. This can include blows from fists, feet, knees, or objects like bats, bricks, or chairs. The severity of injuries depends on various factors, including the object's speed, size, and weight.

Understanding the Severity of Blunt Force Trauma

Blunt force trauma is a pervasive issue. Many security professionals' injuries result from it. However, these cases often go underreported, overshadowed by more sensationalised events like shootings and stabbings.

Defining Blunt Force Trauma: Legal and Medical Perspectives

Legal and medical definitions of blunt force trauma offer clarity. It refers to a severe traumatic event involving a blunt instrument, causing significant damage to the body or head. These definitions emphasize the forceful nature of the impact.

In truth, the risk of facing blunt force trauma is far more prevalent in domestic security scenarios than knife attacks or shootings. The question arises: how many colleagues do you know who've experienced punches, kicks, or objects thrown at them compared to stabbings or shootings?

Shortcomings of Conventional Body Armour

Most body armour used by security professionals falls short in providing adequate protection against blunt force trauma. Many prioritise concealability, weight, or thickness over protection from this specific risk. Achieving maximum protection from blunt force requires a rigid structure, unlike the soft/flexible design commonly used.

While soft body armour may effectively stop bullets or knife thrusts, it often lacks sufficient blunt force protection. The ideal solution lies in rigid body armour, designed explicitly to absorb, and distribute impact energy effectively.

Certifications Matter: Germany's VPAM Standard

The gold standard for blunt force protection is Germany's VPAM Standard. It rates protection levels from W1 (lowest) to W5 (highest), measuring the armour's resistance to striking objects. Our stab resistant vests at PPSS Group are officially CERTIFIED against W5, offering outstanding blunt force protection.

Knowledge Gaps and the Importance of Awareness

A significant knowledge gap exists among security professionals regarding their armour's capabilities. In a recent survey, 55% of respondents didn't know the extent of their vest's protection. This underscores the need for better awareness and understanding of protective gear.

Exploring 'Backface Signature Injuries'

The most comprehensive research on blunt force trauma injuries was conducted by Marianne Wilhelm in 2008, titled "Injuries to law enforcement officers: The backface signature injury." This study raised critical questions about the effectiveness of current test methods and the potential risks associated with deformations exceeding safety limits.

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About the Author

Robert Kaiser is the CEO and Founder of PPSS Group , a UK headquartered company specialised in design, production, and supply of high-performance body armour. Robert and his senior team all have significant level of operational experience in military, law enforcement or homeland security. Robert is a widely respected expert in the prevention of workplace violence related injuries. His written work has been published in several international industry leading publications.