Disaster Planning Adaptive Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The correct answer is penetrating trauma, which is the most likely mechanism of injury for spinal cord injuries sustained in a mass shooting scenario. This type of trauma occurs when an object, such as a bullet, enters the body and disrupts bodily structures, including the spinal cord. In the context of a mass shooting, gunshot wounds can directly damage the spinal cord and surrounding vertebrae, leading to severe neurological impairment or paralysis.

Unlike blunt force trauma, which typically involves a force applied to the body that may lead to injury without penetration (such as a fall or impact), penetrating trauma directly disrupts tissues and can lead to more catastrophic injuries. Thermal injury, which results from burns or heat exposure, is not relevant in this context. Lastly, fracture dislocation refers to the separation of vertebrae that can occur due to trauma but would not specifically indicate the mechanism caused by a projectile like a bullet. Therefore, penetrating trauma is the most appropriate answer, given the circumstances of gun violence and the nature of the injuries sustained.