Characteristics of mass casualty chemical incidents: a case series.
- Author:
Sola KIM
1
;
Jeong Ho PARK
;
Ju Ok PARK
;
Ki Jeong HONG
;
Dong Sun CHOI
;
Tae Han KIM
;
Joo JEONG
;
Sung Wook SONG
;
Kyoung Jun SONG
;
Sang Do SHIN
Author Information
1. Laboratory of Emergency Medical Services, Seoul National University Hospital Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul, Korea. timthe@gmail.com
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Chemical hazard release;
Mass casualty incidents;
Emergency medical services
- MeSH:
Accidents, Traffic;
Carbon Monoxide;
Chemical Hazard Release*;
Emergency Medical Services;
Explosions;
Humans;
Korea;
Mass Casualty Incidents*;
Mortality;
Observational Study;
Petroleum Pollution;
Polyethylene;
Retrospective Studies
- From:Journal of the Korean Society of Emergency Medicine
2018;29(2):188-196
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
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.
