Citation

Richardson JD, Davidson D, Miller FB. J. Trauma 1996; 41(5): 789-793.

Affiliation

Department of Surgery, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Kentucky, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1996, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

8913205

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine long-term medical, social, and psychological outcome of survivors of a multiple-shooting mass casualty disaster. DESIGN: A case-study review was performed 42 months after injury involving chart reviews and patient interviews. PARTICIPANTS: Survivors of a multiple shooting. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The need for primary operative treatment, subsequent operations, and medical treatment related to the injuries, current work status, and psychological impact of injury was determined. RESULTS: Thirteen patients required operation initially; 12 are long-term survivors. Eight have returned to work. Most of the victims reported experiencing psychological and emotional problems. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a well-functioning trauma system that maximized survival from devastating injury, considerable long-term morbidity and disability persists. Efforts at prevention of mass casualties seem to be the only potential solution.