VARIOUS MODES OF FATALITIES AND PATTERN OF FATAL INJURIES IN THE FIELD

Pattern of Fatal Injuries

Abstract

Objective: To determine various modes of fatalities and pattern of fatal injuries in the field.
Study Design: Descriptive study
Place and Duration: The study was carried out at the Combined Military Hospital Bannu, the base hospital of Waziristan FATA from January 2005 to October 2009.
Patients and Methods: All the soldiers brought in dead from operational area to CMH Bannu were included in the study. After entry of their personal data in admission and discharge book the detailed examination was carried out. Only percentages are presented for confidentiality purpose. However details may be provided by the author on requests routed through the authorities concerned.
Results: Gunshot wounds (33.51%), bomb blast (30.16%), mine blast (18.99%) and rocket blast (7.82%) were the common modes of fatality. Multiple injuries (two or more than two) were found on 63%, head injuries on 18%, chest injuries on 13% and abdominal injuries on 6% of all the fatal cases. Maximum numbers of fatal cases were received in the year 2005 (37.65%).
Conclusion: Most common mode of fatal injuries was gunshot wound followed by bomb blast and mine blast. Multiple injuries were the most common fatal injuries followed by head and chest injuries. There is a need for preparedness at all levels to reduce the mortality.