Original Research Article
Year: 2019 | Month: August | Volume: 6 | Issue: 8 | Pages: 21-24
Pattern of Injuries in Fatal Cases of Mass Disaster, Caused By Building Collapse in Himachal Pradesh, India a Postmortem Study
Dr Deepak Sharma1, Dr Anil Kumar Malik1, Dr Monika Sharma2
1Associate Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine, Maharishi Markandeshwar Medical College and Hospital, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India.
2Assistant Professor, Department of Radiology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Medical College and Hospital, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Corresponding Author: Dr Anil Malik
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Building collapse is a common tragedy which occurs in hilly regions due to various reasons. It causes loss of precious lives. Studying the pattern of injuries in these cases will help first responders and medical staff in better assessment and management of such patients in future.
Material and methods: This study comprised of the victims of building collapse brought to casualty and mortuary of Maharishi Markandeshwar Medical College and Hospital Solan, Himachal Pradesh. The cases were brought directly from the site of accident or who died after admission following building collapse. External injuries, internal injuries and cause of death were studied after pathology.
Results: Multiple injuries were present in all the cases. Abrasions, contusions, lacerations, fractures were seen in almost all cases. Commonest site of injury was chest, followed by head, limbs and abdomen respectively. Majority of fatal injuries were on thorax and head.
Conclusion: Deaths due to injuries from a collapse of building are a major source of multiple deaths. Rescue management training should be given to medical personals. As on site medical attention can save many lives. First aid training should be given to rescue personals. Head injuries and chest injuries are a major cause of death. Evacuation of critical patients to tertiary care centre having a well equipped trauma centre should be done at the earliest to increase the chances of survival and decrease the morbidity and mortality.
Key words: Building collapse, head injuries, chest injuries, crush injuries, autopsy.
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