ABSTRACT
Tissues are injured when the energy transferred from the environment to the body exceeds the tolerance of the tissues (1). Any form of energy can result in injury, but the energy transferred usually takes the form of kinetic energy. Examples include the energy transferred during a sudden deceleration to the chest that results in a tear of the thoracic aorta, or the kinetic energy of a knife being transferred to a small area of the body. However, other forms of energy, such as thermal injury, can also cause tissue injury. Much of the credit for our appreciation of this basic concept can be given to Dr. William Haddon, Jr., an engineer and physician who was a pioneer in injury prevention.
