| Terrorist bombings: medical response in a developing country. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 22204211 Owner: NLM Status: In-Process |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the process of transport and immediate Emergency Department (ER) management of mass casualties following the recent bomb blasts in Karachi and review in detail the medical response and management of victims undertaken in these two incidents. METHODS: Eyewitness accounts of the victims, medical personnel and newspaper clippings were used to understand and identify difficulties faced during the rescue process. Data regarding presenting injuries and their outcomes was also collected from all victims presenting to the emergency department at Aga Khan University Hospital. RESULTS: Seventy nine individuals died and over 250 victims were injured in the two incidents. All victims and dead bodies were shifted to the nearest public sector hospital overwhelming the health care facility. Subsequently all victims were evacuated to private sector hospitals creating similar difficulties. Over half of the victims presenting at the emergency department had minor injuries and did not require admission. Most patients requiring admission needed orthopaedic intervention. CONCLUSION: A comprehensive disaster plan with a centralized command and control system is required for the city of Karachi, involving all stake holders including charity ambulance services, security agencies, and trauma management facilities. Training courses and exercises for health care personnel should also be made mandatory to achieve professional excellence. |
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Authors:
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Hasnain Zafar; Ahmed Jawad; M Shahzad Shamim; Ayaz Ahmed Memon; Aamir Hameed; M Shahrukh Effendi; Saeed Qureshi |
Publication Detail:
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Type: Journal Article |
Journal Detail:
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Title: JPMA. The Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association Volume: 61 ISSN: 0030-9982 ISO Abbreviation: J Pak Med Assoc Publication Date: 2011 Jun |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2011-12-29 Completed Date: - Revised Date: - |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 7501162 Medline TA: J Pak Med Assoc Country: Pakistan |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 561-6 Citation Subset: IM |
Affiliation:
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Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. |
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From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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