The Impending Crush Injury Syndrome During A Disaster

Abstract

The impending crush injury syndrome should be a concern when facing any severe injuries, especially disaster. Crush injury is severe shock accompanied by kidney failure. Therefore, prompt diagnosis and treatment are very critical. This paper aims to describe the impending crush injury syndrome during a disaster. This is a narrative literature review. Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct were used as databases for journal findings. The selected journals were summarized and descriptively narrated. The crush injury syndrome usually occurs after severe musculoskeletal injuries and some disasters such as earthquakes, mining disasters, tornadoes, floods, explosions, etc. The injury happens when strong pressure from heavy objects hits the body. The symptoms are nerve damage, bruise, swelling, paralysis, amputation, bleeding, and death. Other common complications are renal failure and compartment syndrome. The warning symptoms are increasing pain, numbness, and tightness. The prevention of crush injury includes following safe work guidance, maintaining good housekeeping, organizing the surrounding objects to prevent any possible hazards, and being aware of heavy machines, falling objects, or vehicles. In conclusion, impending crush injury syndrome during a disaster could be prevented by prompt management and prevention.