Medical Problems of Casualties and Rescuers in the 2014 Volcanic Eruption in Japan

Abstract

encounters occurred. Those who had an open wound were more likely to receive pain medication vs those who did not have an open wound (46% vs 7%, P o .001) There was a trend toward more pain medications administered to penetrating wounds vs blunt trauma (28% vs 14%, P ¼ .07). If an antibiotic was given, the patient was more likely to receive pain medication (66% vs 19%, P o .001). Patients transported by AIREVAC were more likely to receive pain medication (35% vs 20%, P ¼ .004). If a tourniquet was placed, patients were more likely to receive pain medication (47% vs 32%, P o .001). Medical officers were more likely to administer pain medications (43% vs 17%, P o .001). Conclusions.-There were higher rates of pain medication administration for open wounds vs closed wounds, penetrating trauma vs blunt trauma, coadministration of antibiotics, AIREVAC vs ground evacuation, tourniquet placement, and treatment by a medical officer. A more detailed analysis by analgesia agent and whether the agents were within TCCC guidelines will be performed.

Risk Factors for Duty-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder among Police Officers in the Mt. Ontake Eruption Disaster-Support Task Force

“…The search activities were extremely difficult due to the snow level, the mud of ashes, and also the risk of secondary disaster(s). Although only a few members of the disaster-support task force had special mountain equipment or rescue skills for high-altitude sites, none of the members of the task force died or was hurt by the mountain's volcanic gas, but some developed altitude sickness and/or hypothermia [1].…”