Experiences and challenges of managing mass casualty during industrial action in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano

Introduction: A mass casualty incident (MCI) is an infrequent event that requires coordinated action under time constraints. With the emergence of Boko Haram, coupled with industrial disharmony and recurrent strike actions among health workers; there were series of terrorist's attacks when either the Doctors or other health-care providers were on strikes. Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the pattern of injuries, presentation-intervention interval and the challenges of mass casualty management. Methods: This was a retrospective study among 37 multiply injured patients of suicide bombing and shooting who were admitted at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital from 28 th November 2014 to 5 th February 2015. Their case notes were retrieved, information obtained includes types of the injuries and intervention among others which were analysed using SPSS version 16. Results are presented in tables and figures. Results: There were a total of 194 patients who presented to the accident and emergency unit of the hospital. The mean age (±standard deviation) was 33.4 ± 19.25 years. Twenty (10%) were dead on arrival, 37 (20%) had major injuries. More than half of the victims were operated within 6 h of presentation. About 78% had single system injuries, whereas 22% had multiple organ system injured. Up to 25% had at least two units of blood transfused. Conclusion: We were able to intervene in 3% of patients within the first 3 h of presentation and another 30% within 6 h. We would have done better if there were no industrial disputes.