Medical Response to the Boston Marathon Bombing: Lessons Learned

Despite the nature and severity of the injuries experienced by victims of the Boston Marathon bombing, the survival rate was astoundingly high. Adequate preparation, rapid logistical response, short transport times, immediate access to operating rooms, methodical multidisciplinary care delivery and good fortune all contributed to excellent outcomes. Even though mass casualty incidents from natural or man-made events remain a constant global threat, due to their workloads and other factors, healthcare providers may sometimes not recognize or may underprioritize the importance of their participation in emergency preparedness activities. Dr. Michael Zinner and Dr. Harry Salinas will describe firsthand the series of events and the lessons learned throughout and after the Boston Marathon bombing. 

Target Audience

Emergency Medicine and Urgent Care Physicians, General Internists, Family Practitioners, Hospitalists, Physician Assistants, Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Pharmacists, Radiology Technologists, Clinical Chaplains, other interested healthcare providers and members of Emergency Medical Services/Fire Rescue, law enforcement and public health service agencies.

Learning Objectives

  • Facilitate improved clinical outcomes during hospital responses to mass casualty incidents by having active physician participation in healthcare emergency preparedness planning, training and exercises.
  • Identify traumatic injury patterns commonly seen in victims exposed to the detonation of an improvised explosive device (IED).
  • Implement effective patient-tracking strategies to utilize during hospital responses to mass casualties.  
  • Incorporate appropriate psychological follow-up in the plan of care for victims of traumatic events.
Additional information
Bibliography: 
  • Walls, R. M., & Zinner, M. J. (2013). The Boston Marathon response: why did it work so well? Jama, 309(23), 2441-2442.
  • Schneidman, D. (2013). Surgeons put planning, preparation, past experience to work in efforts to save Boston Marathon bombing victims. Bulletin of the American College of Surgeons, 98(9), 9.
Course Summary
Available credit: 
  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
  • 1.00 General certificate of attendance
  • 1.00 Nurse Practitioners
  • 1.00 Florida Board of Nursing
  • 1.00 Florida Board of Pharmacy
Course opens: 
11/01/2017
Course expires: 
11/01/2019

Harry M. Salinas, M.D. 
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon
Miami Cancer Institute
Baptist Health South Florida

Michael Zinner, M.D. 
Founding CEO and Executive Medical Director
Miami Cancer Institute
Baptist Health South Florida

Due to the non-clinical nature of the content discussed, the speakers have no relevant financial relationships to disclose. 

This CME activity will not cover content that would involve products or services of commercial interests. Therefore, no opportunity exists for a conflict of interest based on the financial relationships of faculty and those persons in control of content. Since these relationships are not relevant, no disclosure information was collected.

Disclosure Policy and Disclaimer

Baptist Health South Florida is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. Baptist Health has been re-surveyed by the ACCME and awarded Commendation for 6 years as a provider of CME for physicians.
              
Baptist Health South Florida designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Available Credit

  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
  • 1.00 General certificate of attendance
  • 1.00 Nurse Practitioners
  • 1.00 Florida Board of Nursing
  • 1.00 Florida Board of Pharmacy
Please login or register for a Baptist Health CME account to take this course.

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