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The Approach to Suicide Bombing Attacks: Changing Concepts.
Gidon Almgody1, Miklosh Bala, Avraham I Rivkind2
1Department of Surgery, Hadassah University Hospital, 12000, Jerusalem, 91120, Israel. almogyg@yahoo.com.
Summary
Medical systems can better manage suicide bombing attacks by amending emergency medical services (EMS) protocols and reorganizing emergency departments. This ensures rapid evacuation and comprehensive care for mass casualties from terrorist events.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Trauma Surgery
- Public Health
Background:
- Suicide bombing attacks pose a significant threat, requiring specialized medical management strategies.
- International experience from Israel, Spain, the UK, and the US highlights critical lessons learned.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize medical management experiences from terrorist attacks.
- To prepare medical systems for effectively handling mass casualty incidents.
Main Methods:
- Review of medical data and protocols from countries with experience in managing terrorist attacks.
- Analysis of common injury patterns and healthcare system responses.
Main Results:
- Common injuries include soft tissue damage, blast trauma (lungs, tympanic membranes), and burns.
- Effective management requires revised EMS protocols, rapid evacuation, and a reorganized emergency department.
- A clear chain-of-command led by a general surgeon is crucial for decision-making.
- Resource reallocation, including deferral of non-urgent procedures, is necessary.
Conclusions:
- Medical systems must adapt protocols and resources to manage the unique challenges of suicide bombing attacks.
- Preparedness involves establishing clear leadership, efficient patient flow, and continuous reassessment of victims.