PP 47 THE PURPLE TAGS

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Like any disaster, an air craft accident may require actions that do not fall into a predictable pattern. Thus a regular drill exercises are done to minimize the risk to victims and the rescue personnel. In conjunction to that, Aerodrome Emergency Exercise (AEX) was held recently, involving 265 players. 23 purple tagged patients were encountered, where players presented as real patients with wide spectrum of heat exhaustion.

CASE REPORT

The scenario at the AEX was of an airplane crashed onto the runaway. The event took place at noon. 74 of the players was tagged green, 43 as yellow, 56 as red and remaining 69 as white. All players which were recruited into this drill were clinically fit and age ranging from 20-30 years old. We had 23 “real” emergency cases of heat exhaustion (purple tagged). Long exposure to extreme heat and too much activity under a hot sun has causesd excessive perspiration, which lead to heat exhaustion. They presented with headache and feeling weakness and dizziness accompanied by nausea and vomiting, muscle cramps and presyncope. All 23 patients was were given first aid from the site medical camp and transferred to medical base at Air Disaster Unit (ADU). They were moved to a cool environment and encouraged to increase the consumption of fluids. However one of them required admission and another three was sent to the nearest hospital for further observation and management.

DISCUSSION

Preparedness for a drill is not solely pertaining to the scenario injuries but also by expecting and anticipating possible real injuries or emergencies as well. Several factors need to be considered at all time such as the weather changes, environment safety and players’ health conditions. Thus, it is important to ensure preparedness for real emergencies during a disaster drill.