An Evaluation of the Disaster Medical System after an Accident which Occurred after a Bus fell off the Incheon Bridge

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Field triage, medical care, and transportation are important and life-saving medical tasks performed at the site of a mass-casualty incident (MCI). We experienced a mass-casualty incident when an express bus fell off the Incheon bridge and conducted an evaluation of problems. We are willing to provide information for equipping an local disaster planning. METHODS: We surveyed the local emergency medical system response time, transportation time, and patients' clinical data using paramedics' records and medical records. We evaluated the adequacy of the order of priority of transportation by field triage used using the simple triage and rapid treatment (START) method. We evaluated field medical care, as well preponderance of transportation. RESULTS: Twenty four people who were on the bus were evacuated, and 2 persons were dead on the scene. Two persons died within one week. There was a transport delay for patients who would benefit significantly from medical intervention because dead persons were transported early. Neither advanced airway nor fluid resuscitation was provided. Sixteen patients (66.7%) were transported to one hospital. CONCLUSION: When we reviewed this mass-casualty incident, there was no appropriate medical control, such as triage, field medical care, and transportation. In construction of the emergency medical service system for preparation for MCI or disasters, we suggest integration and unification of 119 rescue services and emergency medical information centers for effective medical control. Disaster drills should be performed according to guidelines for local emergency medical services.