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The Boston Marathon Bombings

Authors :
Peter S. Kim
Maj Edward Malin
Joseph Upton
John C. Kirkham
Bernard T. Lee
Lydia A. Helliwell
Ahmed M.S. Ibrahim
Samuel J. Lin
Adam M. Tobias
Source :
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 132:1351-1363
Publication Year :
2013
Publisher :
Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health), 2013.

Abstract

BACKGROUND On April 15, 2013, at approximately 2:49 p.m. EDT, two improvised explosive devices detonated near the finish line of the 117th Boston Marathon. Patients were transported from the scene to several trauma centers, including the authors' institution. METHODS Plastic surgical assessment of patients began in the Emergency Department and then rapidly expanded as the scope of the incident became clear. Daily interdisciplinary meetings involving the acute care surgery, orthopedic surgery, plastic surgery, and nursing services were convened in order to coordinate operating room schedules and treatment plans. An interdisciplinary weekly clinic continued until all patient goals had been reached. RESULTS Twenty-four patients were treated at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center within the first 24 hours of the Boston Marathon bombing. Seven were triaged directly to the operating room from the Emergency Department. The Division of Plastic Surgery was directly involved with the care of 11 patients, all of whom were treated surgically within 24 hours of the bombing. Patients were aged 23 to 50 years old. All 11 patients sustained lower extremity injuries with gross contamination. Four patients also sustained significant upper extremity trauma. Injuries included extremity amputations and fractures, soft-tissue loss, impaction of nails and other debris, burns, ocular injury, and ruptured tympanic membranes. CONCLUSIONS Twenty-four patients received acute care at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center following the Boston Marathon bombing. Institution of dedicated interdisciplinary daily rounds, protected operating room block time, and joint follow-up clinic allowed for efficient early diagnosis and treatment of patients' injuries.

Details

ISSN :
00321052
Volume :
132
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....e1266a32ba2aef27b5ce3de1da311ffe
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1097/prs.0b013e3182a5a3d9