Characteristics of mass casualty chemical incidents: a case series
Journal of the Korean Society of Emergency Medicine
; : 188-196, 2018.
Article
in Ko
| WPRIM
| ID: wpr-714042
Responsible library:
WPRO
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of the emergency medical services (EMS) response and clinical information on mass casualty chemical incidents in Korea.METHODS:
This retrospective observational study analyzed the integrated data of the EMS rescue records and EMS-treated severe trauma registry from January 2012 to December 2013. Two databases were integrated using the unique accident identification number. Chemical incidents were defined by an in-depth review of the EMS rescue records according to a previous study. Mass casualty incidents were defined as more than 6 injured individuals. The rescue, EMS, and hospital variables of mass casualty chemical incidents were analyzed.RESULTS:
A total of 8 mass casualty chemical incidents and 73 patients were included. The mean responded rescue vehicles and EMS vehicles were 2.4 and 3.5, respectively. The 4 incidents were an oil spill due to traffic accidents and most patients suffered minor trauma. A carbon monoxide leak caused the largest number of patients (23 people). The explosion caused by flammable polyethylene leaks showed the highest severity. In that explosion, the mortality rate was 40% and 8 patients had a disability at discharge.CONCLUSION:
This study evaluated the characteristics of the EMS response and clinical information on mass casualty chemical incidents in Korea.Key words
Full text:
1
Index:
WPRIM
Main subject:
Carbon Monoxide
/
Accidents, Traffic
/
Petroleum Pollution
/
Retrospective Studies
/
Mortality
/
Polyethylene
/
Emergency Medical Services
/
Explosions
/
Mass Casualty Incidents
/
Chemical Hazard Release
Type of study:
Observational_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
Limits:
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
Asia
Language:
Ko
Journal:
Journal of the Korean Society of Emergency Medicine
Year:
2018
Type:
Article