Injuries to rescue workers following the Oklahoma City bombing

The objective of this study was to identify and describe physical injuries to rescue workers in the aftermath of the Oklahoma City bombing. Data were obtained from medical records from 16 hospital emergency departments and specialty clinics in the Oklahoma City area, and reported visits to medical providers at the bombing site. Participants were rescue personnel from the Oklahoma City Fire Department, the mutual aid fire stations in the Oklahoma City area, the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Urban Search and Rescue teams, and military personnel stationed near Oklahoma City. All participants were involved in the rescue and recovery operation. The two main outcome measures were (1) the number, types, and rates of injuries; and (2) comparisons of case-finding methods, including medical chart review and telephone interview. The most common injuries were strains and sprains (21.4%), foreign bodies in eyes (14.5%), and laceration/crush/puncture wounds (18.4%). Of the four case-finding mechanisms, telephone interviews following the event identified the largest number of cases (84.5%). Most injuries were minor; some injuries such as chemical burns were preventable. The potential utility of other data collection mechanisms is considered.