Citation

Hick JL, Ho JD, Heegaard WG, Brunette DD, Lapine A, Ward T, Clinton JE. Disaster Med. Public Health Prep. 2008; 2(1): S17-24.

Affiliation

University of Minnesota Medical School, USA. john.hick@hcmed.org

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Society for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Publisher Cambridge University Press)

DOI

10.1097/DMP.0b013e31817196e0

PMID

18769261

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The Interstate 35W Bridge in Minneapolis collapsed into the Mississippi River on August 1, 2007, killing 13 people and injuring 127. METHODS: This article describes the emergency medical services response to this incident. RESULTS/DISCUSSION: Complexities of the event included difficult patient access, multiple sectors of operation, and multiple mutual-aid agencies. Patient evacuation and transportation was rapid, with the collapse zone cleared of victims 95 minutes after the initial 9-1-1 call. A common regional emergency medical service incident management plan that was exercised was critical to the success of the response. CONCLUSIONS: Communication and patient tracking difficulties could be improved in future responses.

Language: en