Analysis of Patients Injured in Demonstraions

Lee, Kyoung Mi

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was conducted to determine the level of medical care required for mass-gatherings and to describe the types of illness and injury that may occur during demonstrations.
METHODS
We conducted a retrospective review of the medical records for patients injured during demonstrations.
RESULTS
From May to August at 2008, a total of 932,000 participants attended demonstrations. Most patients were occurred from June to July, a total of 126 patients were evaluated and treated at the emergency center of our hospital. The mean patient age was 31.8+/-9.8 years, and men predominated over women. The vast majority of patients were experienced trauma (88.9%). The diagnostic categories were contusion (49.2%), laceration (20.6%), fracture (6.3%), syncope/dizziness (5.5%), ocular injuries (3.9%), dyspnea (3.9%), other trauma (3.1%), and abdominal complaints (1.5%). Two patients were admitted.
CONCLUSION
The rate and the acuity of patients seen at these demonstrations was low. Nevertheless, a full on-site physician and transportation system is recommended during similar incidents.