NCJ Number
122539
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 37 Issue: 11 Dated: (November 1989) Pages: 50-55
Date Published
1989
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Following the crash of United Flight 232 on July 19, 1989, Sioux City (Iowa) executed a well-planned rescue operation.
Abstract
The term "golden hour" refers to the fact that an injured person's chances of survival are significantly increased if he reaches a trauma center for treatment within an hour after injury. Within 45 minutes of impact all of the approximately 40 critically injured victims had been located in the scene of debris, cared for by on-scene medical professionals, and transported to two of Sioux City's health care facilities. This was due to the area's annual disaster drills, which have included simulated explosions and jet liner crashes, and the well thought-out plan for traffic control and area security by law enforcement agencies and department of transportation employees. The complete traffic control and route control responsibilities had been essentially worked out in advance. For any future disaster, county officers agree they want a Polaroid ID camera to ensure greater security, and recommend ID badges for anyone having a legitimate right to be at the site.