Care of victims of suicide bombing

Can J Surg. 2018 Dec 1;61(6):S184-S187. doi: 10.1503/cjs.015618.

Abstract

Suicide bombers often target crowds. This commentary discusses the additional features required in a medical response beyond conventional mass casualty care, including forensic documentation, preservation of evidence, suspect tissue identification and viral status, victim counselling and postexposure prophylaxis. We propose a pathway for care of victims of a suicide bomb, adapting elements from protocols for child abuse, sexual assault and needle-stick exposure.

MeSH terms

  • Blast Injuries / complications
  • Blast Injuries / etiology
  • Blast Injuries / therapy*
  • Bombs*
  • Civil Defense / organization & administration*
  • Disaster Victims
  • Disease Transmission, Infectious / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Mass Casualty Incidents*
  • Suicide
  • Terrorism*