A Coordinated Emergency Response: A Color Dust Explosion at a 2015 Concert in Taiwan

Am J Public Health. 2016 Sep;106(9):1582-5. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2016.303261. Epub 2016 Jul 26.

Abstract

In June 2015, nearly 500 concert attendees suffered injuries from smoke inhalation and severe burns following a color-dust explosion at a waterpark in Taiwan. We report on the progressions of the incident and government responses, share cross-departmental mobilization and case management lessons, and reflect on clinical and complex policy issues emerged. The timely and coordinated emergency responses, a high-quality universal health care system, and dedicated clinicians voluntarily working overtime resulted in an unprecedented 2.4% mortality rate (international statistics predicted 26.8%).

MeSH terms

  • Blast Injuries / etiology*
  • Blast Injuries / mortality
  • Burns / etiology*
  • Burns / mortality
  • Dust*
  • Emergency Medical Services / organization & administration*
  • Emergency Treatment*
  • Explosions*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mass Casualty Incidents* / mortality
  • Public Policy
  • Smoke Inhalation Injury / etiology*
  • Smoke Inhalation Injury / mortality
  • Taiwan
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Dust