Critical care delivery: the experience of a civilian terrorist attack

It has been recognised for some time that a terrorist incident was threatened in the U.K. and it has been noted previously in the JRAMC that the locations for terrorist atrocities are likely to be more diverse than previously experienced. July 7th 2005 witnessed the first terrorist suicide bombing on the U.K. mainland, targeting the public transport system in London. These attacks were unprecedented in both scale and intensity but they were anticipated in London. However there were clear difficulties, relating to multiple sites, their location underground and early problems with communication (2). This article highlights some of the experiences and learning points of the Intensive Care Medicine Service at the Royal London Hospital (RLH) in the wake of the July 7th bombings. The RLH was the single biggest receiver of casualties (195); seven of whom were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. The Defence Medical Services have tri-service representation (both regular and reserve) at the RLH in Emergency Medicine and Pre-hospital Care, Surgical Services and Intensive Care Medicine.