The revisit of 2004 tsunami in Thailand: characteristics of wounds.

The name, tsunami that was unknown to most Thai people, had hit west southern coast of Thailand on 26 December 2004. Following the disaster, prices have been paid and many lessons have been learnt. The current report provides a historical background of the incident, which was reviewed by documents, brief discussion and observation. Data of the patients from three hospitals involved in the management were collected and reviewed. Some of the illustrations were from the operating rooms of Takuapa, Surat Thani and Songklanagarind hospitals. There were totally 2311 patients. Of these, 45% were males and 40% were multinationals. Nearly 40% suffered from salted water aspiration, while 2% developed complication associated with near drowning. The most common orthopaedic-related injury were minor [559 patients (24%)] and major wounds [586 (25%)]. Around 7% sustained fracture dislocation. Lower extremity fractures were more common. The characteristics of wounds associated with the tsunami were severe contamination, multiple sites and organ involvement. Another characteristic was the early development and spreading of infection. The lessons proposed by the study are that minor wound should be left open, small penetrating wound should be thoroughly explored and observed and lacerated wounds need emergency dressing, debridement and subsequent cleansing procedures. Re-evaluation and closed surveillance of the seriously injured patients are mandatory to eliminate the complicated infection and life-threatening conditions. Medical record of any disastrous event should be completed by health care professionals. The model and reporting system should be internationalised.