In:
Prehospital and Disaster Medicine, Cambridge University Press (CUP), Vol. 18, No. 2 ( 2003-06), p. 88-91
Abstract:
Abstract Introduction: This report illustrates Croatia's experience with the terrorist
attack in the city of Rijeka in October 1995. Also, the intention of this report is to outline how emergency services were functioning in
this sudden-onset situation. Methods: The medical documentation of 27 wounded citizens in the attack was
analyzed and the appearance of bodily wounds, severity of wounds, and the mechanisms of injury are described. From the forensic medical
report, the wounds and damages sustained by the terrorist also were analyzed. All findings were compared with similar cases from around the
world. Results: In the 27 wounded citizens, three (11%) had head injuries, and
injuries of the abdomen in only two cases (7%) were found. The most common injuries sustained involved one or more extremities: 16 (59%)
persons had wounds of an upper or lower extremity or a combination of multiple wounds. The main cause of death of the terrorist was explosive
wounds to the chest and abdomen with destruction o f multiple inner
organs (primarily kidneys, liver, abdomen, and lung). Furthermore, the terrorist had a fracture of the skull base and multiple injuries to the
brain. Conclusion: Comparing the findings with other data from the literature, the
distribution in the percentages of wounded is almost the same as reported in many bomb attacks. In this case, the walls of the building
protected many citizens, which is why so few were seriously injured. Forensic examination of the terrorist's body showed all of the
characteristics of blast injuries.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1049-023X
,
1945-1938
DOI:
10.1017/S1049023X00000819
Language:
English
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Publication Date:
2003
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2162069-6
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