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Journal Article > Research

Civilian Landmine Injuries in Sri Lanka

Meade P, Mirocha J
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to describe the injuries sustained by displaced people returning home after a military conflict when landmines were not removed.

METHOD
This study describes the landmine injuries to patients at the Jaffna Teaching Hospital in northern Sri Lanka over a 20-month period, from May 1, 1996, to December 31, 1997.

RESULTS
There were definite and identifiable landmine injury patterns. Patients were most often wounded in the lower extremities, had multiple wounds, and were injured together in groups. Victims were most often male, but there were unusually high numbers of women, children, and elderly injured. Mortality rates and amputation rates were high. Deaths occurred early after injury. Higher incidences of mine injuries could be associated with two important activities: returning home and agriculture.

CONCLUSIONS
Civilians returning home after armed conflicts are at risk of injury when landmines are not removed. No one is spared. This problem is preventable.
Countries
Sri Lanka
Subject Area
displaced populationsarmed conflict
DOI
10.1097/00005373-200004000-00024
Published Date
01-Apr-2000
PubMed ID
10780610
Languages
English
Journal
Journal of Trauma - Injury Infection and Critical Care
Volume / Issue / Pages
Volume 48, Issue 4, Pages 735-739
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