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Confined Space Medicine and the Medical Management of Complex Rescues: A Case Series

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 February 2014

Bruno Petinaux Open the ORCID record for Bruno Petinaux [Opens in a new window] ,
Anthony G. Macintyre  and
Joseph A. Barbera
Bruno Petinaux*
Affiliation:
Department of Emergency Medicine in the School of Medicine and Health SciencesThe George Washington University, Washington, DC.
Anthony G. Macintyre
Affiliation:
Department of Emergency Medicine in the School of Medicine and Health SciencesThe George Washington University, Washington, DC.
Joseph A. Barbera
Affiliation:
School of Engineering and Applied SciencesThe George Washington University, Washington, DC.
*
Correspondence and reprint requests to Bruno Petinaux, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, The George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates, Ste 450, 2120 L St, NW, Washington, DC 20037 (e-mail bpetinaux@mfa.gwu.edu).
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Abstract

Objective

A variety of hazards can precipitate the full or partial collapse of occupied structures. The rescue of entrapped survivors in these situations can be complex, require a multidisciplinary approach, and last for many hours.

Methods

The modern discipline of Urban Search and Rescue, which includes an active medical component, has evolved to address such situations. This case series spans several decades of experience and highlights the medical principles in the response to collapsed structure incidents.

Results

Recurring concepts of confined space medicine include rescuer safety, inter-disciplinary coordination, patient protection, medical resuscitation in austere environments, and technical extrications.

Conclusion

Strategies have been developed to address the varied challenges in the medical response to collapsed structure incidents. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2014;0:1–10)

Keywords

urban search and rescueconfined space medicinecollapsed structureearthquakeprehospital care
Type
Original Research
Information
Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness , Volume 8 , Issue 1 , February 2014 , pp. 20 - 29
Copyright
Copyright © Society for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc. 2014 

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