Management of casualties from the bombing at the Centennial Olympics

Background: The explosion of a bomb 75 to 100 yards away from attendees at a concert who were in the process of being evacuated from Centennial Olympic Park at approximately 1:25 image on July 27, 1996, resulted in a multiple-casualty event involving primarily four hospitals in proximity to the blast. The purpose of this study was to review triage and care of the victims, emphasizing those with significant injuries. Methods: Retrospective review of triage and care of injured patients. Results: Ninety-six of the 111 victims of the blast were triaged in the first half hour to four hospitals within 3 miles of the bombing. Only four minor operations were performed in 61 patients evaluated at community hospitals. Ten of 35 patients evaluated at the regional trauma center underwent emergency or urgent operations, and all who were seriously injured did well. Conclusions: Although overtriage to the regional trauma center occurred, outcome was excellent in all seriously injured victims treated there.