The 1986 Terrorist Bombing Experience in Paris

Abstract

Between December 7, 1985 and September 17, 1986, eleven terrorist bomb explosions took place in Paris. Thirteen people died immediately, 255 others were injured. Forty were treated on-site and were not hospitalized, 205 were subjected to triage and stabilization and were then hospitalized. These latter 205 patients are analyzed in this study. None of them died during transportation, and seven eventually died in hospitals. Forty-seven per cent of all victims suffered from multiple injuries. All deaths except one occurred in the polytraumatized group. The policy of subjecting victims of terrorist bomb explosions to triage and stabilization before hospitalization is compared to the so-called "scoop and run" technique, more generally applied in mass casualty situations. Its limitations and advantages are discussed.

Evaluation of trauma patterns in blast injuries using multiple correspondence analysis

“…Gunshot and blast related injuries differ in cranial and postcranial element distinction as well as present a focused versus diffuse fracture pattern throughout the body. The results in this study concur with previously published studies that examine various contexts of blast injury [14,[18][19][20]. Variations in the observed patterns, with other literature on blast injuries, may be related to a difference in the context (such as combat versus civilian cases), geographical differences (open air or enclosed) as well the type of explosive material and its construction (such as improvised explosive devices linked with terrorism).…”

“…Fracture patterns varied between the two samples and is consistent with the current literature on both types of trauma [10,14,[18][19][20]27,28]. Gunshot injuries cluster in the cranial regions with blast-related injuries in the postcrania.…”

“…Other variables, such as whether the person is an open or enclosed environment can also influence the pattern of trauma [14][15][16][17]. For example, terrorist bombing events (occurring in both enclosed and open areas) typically result in a high prevalence of extremity injuries, particularly to the head and lower limbs [18][19][20].…”

Disaster Medicine: Conventional Terrorist Bombings

“…3 Because most traumatic amputations reflect a high energy transfer, such patients have a high likelihood of dying from severe associated injuries. 2 Fragments cause most of the injuries that result from small terrorist bombings. 23 Soft tissue injuries (lacerations, abrasions, and contusions) predominate among survivors of bombings.…”

“…2 One of terrorists' principal weapons has been the bomb; either left indoors in public places or placed in a vehicle. 3 Terrorist bombings have become a common occurrence throughout the industrialized world.…”