(A22) Impact of Karachi Terrorist Bombing on an Emergency Department of a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Objectives

The objective of this study was to collect epidemiological injury data on patients presenting to the emergency department of a tertiary care hospital after the bombing on 29 December 2009.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of the medical records of the victims that were brought to a tertiary care hospital. Bombing victims were described as requiring acute care due to the direct effect of the bombing.

Results

The results are derived from a sample size of 198 bomb blast victims, most of which were first transported to government hospitals by private cars rather than ambulances. After the government announced free treatment, there was a wave of patients, among which, most were stable and already had received some form of treatment. Approximately 5–6 patients who had life-threatening injuries were brought directly to the tertiary care facility and needed surgical intervention. The lack of security in the emergency department could have lead to another terrorist activity. There were no procedures done in the field as there is lack of emergency medical services training in Pakistan, but in the hospital most of the interventions included intravenous (IV) lines, wound care, and laceration repair. The most common treatments included the administration of IV fluids, antibiotics, and analgesia. Radiographs of specific sites and trauma series were used to rule out bone injuries. There was lack of documentation in most of the medical charts.

Conclusions

The emergency department was overwhelmed with the number of patients that it received. Therefore, an updated disaster plan and regular disaster drills are required. Rapid and accurate triage could minimize mortality among bombing survivors significantly. The majority of patients were discharged home.