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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Sue Mallonee, RN, MPH, Injury Prevention Service, Oklahoma State Deparment of Health, 1000 NE 10th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73112, 405-271-3430, suem@health.state.ok.us
Background: Federal Bureau of Investigation data suggests there are 4.8 bombings per day in the United States. From 1988-1997, there were 830 bomb-related deaths according to the National Center for Health Statistics. In addition, terrorist events from bombings and other activities have increased.
Methods: The Commissioner of Health mandated injuries and other health conditions associated with the 1995 Oklahoma City (OKC) bombing as reportable conditions. Extensive public health investigation of the magnitude and source of injuries among persons exposed to the OKC bombing and the 1996 Khobar Towers bombing in Saudia Arabia was conducted. The type of data collected and methods utilized were similar.
Results: Over half of the injuries at Khobar Towers and over one-third of the nonfatal injuries in Oklahoma City were caused by glass. Additionally, interior structural characteristics (ceilings, light fixtures, ducts, etc.) caused considerable injury and entrapment. Mapping the location of persons exposed resulted in documentation of the critical role of structural collapse in fatal injury.
Conclusion: Collecting this data resulted in collaboration among public health, medical, and engineering professional and resulted in further research and prevention recommendations regarding those issues. State and local public health agencies need authority to collect such data and need a local plan for medical documentation prior to a terrorist event or disaster. Utilizing multiple sources of information, including directly from survivors is necessary. Standardized data collection tools consistent with past bombing investigations should be developed.
Learning Objectives:
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.