Management of a Mass Casualty Event Caused by Electrocution Using Doctor Helicopters

Abstract

Objective: This is the first report to show the use of doctor helicopters in a mass casualty event induced by electrocution.

Methods: We performed a narrative review.

Results: Two children obtained electrocution burns by breaking an electric fence. Five adults also received electrocution burns. Emergency medical technicians at the scene requested additional dispatch of an ambulance and the doctor helicopter. Two adult men with cardiopulmonary arrest were transported by 2 ambulances to a nearby hospital. One adult woman was in a restless confusional state, intubated, and transferred to another hospital using the doctor helicopter. One boy, who was initially in a coma, and his mother were transferred to our hospital by 1 ambulance. Another boy, who had finger amputation, was transferred to the other hospital by another doctor helicopter. A remaining elderly woman was transported to the other local hospital by ambulance. All the victims, except the 2 fathers who fell into cardiac arrest, survived.

Conclusion: Early confirmation of the safety of the scene, early establishment of command and control, early request for dispatch of other parties and the doctor Helicopter, appropriate triage, appropriate treatment at the scene, selecting appropriate medical facilities, and dispersion transportation were crucial.