The Boston Marathon Bombing, was a disturbing terrorist attack that happened a short distance from the finishing line of the Boston Marathon. There were two homemade bombs planted on the ground where the marathon took place. They were hidden in backpacks among the crowd watching the marathon.
Unfortunately about five hours into the marathon the first bomb exploded a short distance to the finish line. A few seconds later, the second bomb exploded a few meters from the first bomb in the crowd of spectators. The police, fire fighters and medical personnel on the scene were among the first people to respond after the explosion. . Three of the bombing victims died due to severe injuries and more than 260 others who were seriously injured were rushed to hospital.
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Among the survivors, there were most people who had leg injuries. According to the witnesses 16 people lost their legs, some were severely burnt while others were unconscious due to choking because of the intense smoke and others due to shock. For the people who were severely burnt, the first aid procedure is to first check the percentage of the body burnt, depth and severity of the burn. Stop the burning by either removing the source of fire. Cool and clean the area using clean cold water then cover the surface loosely. Burn treatment is in (The American National Red Cross, 2011, pg. 105 ch6)
For the survivors with muscle and joint injuries, would range from a sprain which is when a ligament is stretched, a stain which occurs when a tendon or muscle is stretched, a dislocation when a bone on a joint moves out or a fracture when a bone is completely broken. The first aid procedure is to first rest the injured part, immobilize the injured part using a bandage to restrain movement, apply a cold pack for 20 minutes intervals then elevate the injured part. Finally splint the person if moving him to a hospital. Treatment is on (The American National Red Cross, 2011, pg. 107-108).
The head, neck and spinal injury happened mostly due to falling while running from the bomb. Mostly due to the pushing and throwing since the crowd was intense. For the treatment, this injury should be checked and determined by a health provider, since it is hard to determine that in order to give first aid. Treatment for head, neck and spinal injury is on (The American National Red Cross, 2011, pg.109-111ch6).
Conclusion
In case of a terrorist attack, due to the panic and shock, people should try to disperse from the scene in a way that will not cause harm and injury to the crowd. The severely injured should be given first priority first aid and transferred to the hospital. The less injured should be given first aid and also transferred to hospital for checking. Ensure that the victims are moved from the site of danger like fire or smoke (The American National Red Cross, 2011, pg.109-111ch6).
Reference
The American Red Cross (2011). American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Participant’s manual. Yardley : Staywell.
