Citation

Lee WF, Ooi CK, Phua DH, Wong MH, Chan WL, Ng YY. Singapore Med. J. 2015; 56(12): 677-680.

Affiliation

Singapore Civil Defence Force, Ministry of Home Affairs, Singapore.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Singapore Medical Association)

DOI

10.11622/smedj.2015188

PMID

26702163

PMCID

PMC4678407

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Singapore experienced its second riot in 40 years on 8 December 2013, in the area known as Little India. A retrospective review of 36 casualties treated at the emergency department was conducted to evaluate injury patterns.

METHODS: Characteristics including the rate of arrival, injury severity, type and location, and disposition of the casualties were analysed.

RESULTS: The injuries were predominantly mild (97.2%), with the most common injuries involving the head (50.0%) and limbs (38.9%). 97.2% of the casualties were managed as outpatient cases.

CONCLUSION: The majority of the injuries in this incident were mild and could be managed as outpatient cases. Important lessons were learnt from the incident about the utilisation of manpower and safety of staff in the emergency department.

Language: en