Rex P.K. Lam, Ronald T.M. Wong, Eric H.Y. Lau, K.W. Wong, Arthur C.K. Cheung, V.K. Chaang, L. Chen, T.C. Tsang, T.K. Chan, Peter P.Y. Chee, Frank H.F. Ko, C.S. Leung, S.M. Yang
{"title":"Time Pattern of Presentation of Victims of High-Speed Passenger Ferry Mass Casualty Incidents to the Emergency Department","authors":"Rex P.K. Lam, Ronald T.M. Wong, Eric H.Y. Lau, K.W. Wong, Arthur C.K. Cheung, V.K. Chaang, L. Chen, T.C. Tsang, T.K. Chan, Peter P.Y. Chee, Frank H.F. Ko, C.S. Leung, S.M. Yang","doi":"10.1017/dmp.2024.90","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"Objective Mass Casualty Incidents (MCIs) involving high-speed passenger ferries (HSPFs) may result in the dual-wave phenomenon, in which the emergency department (ED) is overwhelmed by an initial wave of minor injuries, followed by a second wave of more seriously injured victims. This study aimed to characterize the time pattern of ED presentation of victims in such accidents in Hong Kong. Methods All HSPF MCIs from 2005 to 2015 were reviewed retrospectively, with the time interval from accident to ED registration determined for each victim. Multivariable linear regression was used to identify independent factors associated with the time of ED presentation after the accidents. Results Eight MCIs involving 492 victims were identified. Victims with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥ 9 had a significantly shorter median time interval compared to those with minor injuries. An ISS ≥ 9 and evacuation by emergency service vessels were associated with a shorter delay in ED arrival, whereas ship sinking, accident at nighttime, and a longer linear distance between the accident and receiving ED were associated with a longer delay. Conclusion The dual-wave phenomenon was not present in HSPF MCIs. Early communication is the key to ensure early resource mobilisation and a well-timed response.","PeriodicalId":54390,"journal":{"name":"Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.9000,"publicationDate":"2024-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness","FirstCategoryId":"3","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1017/dmp.2024.90","RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q3","JCRName":"PUBLIC, ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Objective Mass Casualty Incidents (MCIs) involving high-speed passenger ferries (HSPFs) may result in the dual-wave phenomenon, in which the emergency department (ED) is overwhelmed by an initial wave of minor injuries, followed by a second wave of more seriously injured victims. This study aimed to characterize the time pattern of ED presentation of victims in such accidents in Hong Kong. Methods All HSPF MCIs from 2005 to 2015 were reviewed retrospectively, with the time interval from accident to ED registration determined for each victim. Multivariable linear regression was used to identify independent factors associated with the time of ED presentation after the accidents. Results Eight MCIs involving 492 victims were identified. Victims with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥ 9 had a significantly shorter median time interval compared to those with minor injuries. An ISS ≥ 9 and evacuation by emergency service vessels were associated with a shorter delay in ED arrival, whereas ship sinking, accident at nighttime, and a longer linear distance between the accident and receiving ED were associated with a longer delay. Conclusion The dual-wave phenomenon was not present in HSPF MCIs. Early communication is the key to ensure early resource mobilisation and a well-timed response.
期刊介绍:
Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness is the first comprehensive and authoritative journal emphasizing public health preparedness and disaster response for all health care and public health professionals globally. The journal seeks to translate science into practice and integrate medical and public health perspectives. With the events of September 11, the subsequent anthrax attacks, the tsunami in Indonesia, hurricane Katrina, SARS and the H1N1 Influenza Pandemic, all health care and public health professionals must be prepared to respond to emergency situations. In support of these pressing public health needs, Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness is committed to the medical and public health communities who are the stewards of the health and security of citizens worldwide.