I don't know if anyone will find this helpful -- but this simple code works well for establishing when physics objects hit things.

Code:

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var _last_collision_time;
var _bounces;

function hit_something() {
	if ( event_type == EVENT_BLOCK || event_type == EVENT_FRICTION ) {
		if ( total_ticks - time - 1 <= _last_collision_time ) {
			//still in contact with surface
			//do something here when touching a surface
		} else {
			_bounces += 1;
			//add code to check for strength of impact, reduce health, play sounds, shoot off sparks
		} //else
		_last_collision_time = total_ticks;
	} //if
} 

action physics_stuff
{	
	phent_settype(my,PH_RIGID,PH_POLY);		
	phent_setmass(my,10,PH_SPHERE);

	my.enable_block = ON;
	my.enable_friction = ON;
	my.event = hit_something;
	
	while(1) {
		//do stuff
		wait(1);
	} //
}

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