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AI-DRAFTED — PHYSICIAN REVIEW IN PROGRESSThe citation for this entry was checked against Crossref and PubMed, but its summary and interpretation were drafted by an AI model from the published abstract and have not yet been individually read by a physician. Read the linked source before relying on this operationally.
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The Initial Response to the Boston Marathon Bombing[1]

Gates JD · 2014 · Annals of Surgery

Summary

A collaborative review across Boston's trauma centres analyzed the initial medical response to the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings, pooling data on 281 injured, of whom 127 were treated at participating trauma centres. There were three immediate scene fatalities (1%) and no in-hospital mortality. Most admitted patients (66.6%) had lower-extremity soft-tissue and bony injuries; 31 showed exsanguinating hemorrhage with field tourniquets in place in 26. Of 75 admitted, 54 had urgent surgery and 12 (22%) a lower-extremity amputation.

So what

A benchmark mass-casualty outcome (zero in-hospital deaths) attributed to preparation, rapid logistics, short transport times, immediate OR access, and multidisciplinary care — and it underscores field hemorrhage control (tourniquets) for blast/extremity injury.

Key findings

  • 281 injured; 127 treated at trauma centres; 3 scene deaths, no in-hospital mortality.
  • 66.6% lower-extremity injuries; field tourniquets in place in 26 of 31 with exsanguinating hemorrhage.
  • 54 of 75 admitted had urgent surgery; 12 (22%) lower-extremity amputation.

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Domains

MCI Posture