Case Study: 2013 Boston Marathon

Abstract

On April 15, 2013, two bombs were intentionally detonated near the finish line of the 117th Boston Marathon. This resulted in three fatalities on scene and a fourth fatality during the subsequent manhunt. The response to this incident highlighted both successes and challenges during EMS response to this incident. With 118 documented EMS transports and having cleared both blast sites of all critical patients within an hour of the incident, having immediately available ambulances to transport to definitive care, reducing scene time by limiting medical interventions, and balancing patient distribution to receiving hospitals played a major role in minimizing any further fatalities. Despite technology and resources, patient documentation, tracking, and use of formal triage tag systems in the prehospital environment remained a challenge. EMS providers responding to a blast incident must be trained and ready to maintain situational awareness in order to operate in a warm zone.