Human Survival in Volcanic Eruptions: Thermal Injuries in Pyroclastic Surges, Their Causes, Prognosis and Emergency Management

• 2017

  Sign in to bookmark this resource.

  Sign in
• Peter Baxter; Susanna Jenkins; Rosadi Seswandhana; Jean-Christophe Komorowski; Ken Dunn; David Purser
PMID: 28233579DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2017.01.025

---

Access Resources

• Journal ArticleEN

About

This study examines burns patients from two eruptions of Merapi volcano in 1994 and 2010, focusing on thermal injuries caused by pyroclastic surges. The analysis highlights the need for emergency planners in volcanic crises to understand the impact of surges and the types of burns victims expected in worst-case scenarios. Out of 106 patients treated in a major hospital, only a third survived, with a significant portion admitted with extensive burns and suspected inhalation injuries. The study emphasizes the importance of hospital treatment in improving survival rates for patients with severe burns. Effective warnings, evacuation measures, and political commitment are crucial in preventing similar catastrophes in populated volcanic areas.

---

Tags

Focus Areas: Natural Disasters; Trauma

Audiences: Emergency Managers; EMS Clinicians; Nurses; Physicians

Emergency Management Stages: Response; Preparedness (Prevention / Protection)

Collection: Disaster Research Literature Review

Keywords: Burns; Disaster Planning; Emergency Treatment; Volcanic Eruptions

Institutions: University of Cambridge; University of Bristol; Dr Sardjito General Hospital; Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris; Wythenshawe Hospital; Hartford Environmental Research

---

More like this

Impact of a Predefined Hospital Mass Casualty Response Plan in a Limited Resource Setting with No Pre-Hospital Care System 2015 · Johns Hopkins University, Aga Khan University Head-to-Head Comparison of Disaster Triage Methods in Pediatric, Adult, and Geriatric Patients 2013 · University of Louisville, Yale School of Medicine, Yale New Haven Hospital Haitian Earthquake Relief: Disaster Response Aboard the USNS Comfort 2012 · Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, University of California San Francisco, Military Health System

---

The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only. It does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

---