Management of Gunshot Injuries at the Kenyatta National Hospital during the August 1982 National Disturbance

Abstract

On 1st of August, 1982, the Kenya Air Force attempted to change the government unlawfully. This was resisted by the loyal forces and the ensuing shoot out led to many civilian victims presenting for treatment at the Casualty Department of Kenyatta National Hospital within a short span of time. One hundred and thirty nine patient with gunshot wounds were treated between 1st and 5th August, 1982. All were included in this study. All the armed forces victims including the rebel soldiers were treated at the Forces Memorial Hospital. Gunshot wounds have been discussed in general and compared with those of patients in this study. The difficulties encountered in the management of mass accident in the form of manpower and materials have been analysed and the experiences made available for future improvements. The study proves the benefit of an organised form of treatment of mass accident victims and shows the need of reorganisation of the casualty department in particular and the wards to provide better services of any nature of such dimensions.