INJURIES TO RESCUE WORKERS FOLLOWING THE OKLAHOMA-CITY BOMBING

The objective of this study was to identify and describe physical inju ries to rescue workers in the aftermath of the Oklahoma City bombing. Data were obtained from medical records from 16 hospital emergency dep artments and specialty clinics in the Oklahoma City area, and reported visits to medical providers at the bombing site. Participants were re scue personnel from the Oklahoma City Fire Department, the mutual aid fire stations in the Oklahoma City area, the Federal Emergency Managem ent Agency's Urban Search and Rescue teams, and military personnel sta tioned near Oklahoma City. All participants were involved in the rescu e and recovery operation. The Two main outcome measures were (I) the n umber types, and rates of injuries; and (2) comparisons of case-findin g methods, including medical chart review and telephone interview. The most common injuries were strains and sprains (21.4%), foreign bodies in eyes (14.5%), and laceration/crush/puncture wounds (18.4%). Of the four case-finding mechanisms, telephone interviews following the even t identified the largest number of cases (84.5%). Most injuries were m inor; some injuries such as chemical bums were preventable. The potent ial utility of other data collection mechanisms is considered. (C) 199 7 Wiley-Liss, Inc.