Highlights
- •Riot control agents can lead to mortality and permanent morbidity.
- •Appropriate training of personnel on the use of riot control agents is direly needed.
- •Directing the scarce resources of hospitals especially during pandemics is crucial.
- •The safety profile of teargas and rubber bullet use needs to be revisited.
Abstract
Background
Between October 2019 and February 2020, massive crowds protested in Lebanon against
economic collapse. Various less than lethal weapons including riot control agents
and rubber bullets were used by law enforcement, which led to several traumatic and
chemical injuries among victims. This study describes the clinical presentation, management,
outcome, and healthcare costs of injuries.
Methods
A retrospective review of the hospital records of all the casualties presenting to
the Emergency Department of the American University of Beirut Medical Center between
October 17th, 2019, and February 29th, 2020, was conducted.
Results
A total of 313 casualties were evaluated in the ED, with a mean age of 30.2 +/− 9.6 years
and a predominance of males (91.1%). Most were protestors (71.9%) and arrived through
EMS (43.5%) at an influx rate of one patient presenting every 2.7–8 min. Most patients
(91.1%) presented with an Emergency Severity Index of 3. Most patients (77.6%) required
imaging with 10% having major findings including fractures and hemorrhages. Stones,
rocks, and tear gas canisters (30.7%) were the most common mechanism of injury. Musculoskeletal
injuries were most common (62.6%), followed by lacerations (44.7%). The majority (93.3%)
were treated and discharged home and 3.2% required hospital admission, with 2.6% requiring
surgery.
Conclusion
Less-than-lethal weapons can cause severe injuries and permanent morbidity. The use
of riot control agents needs to be better controlled, and users need to be well trained
in order to avoid misuse and to lessen the morbidity, mortality, and financial burden.
Keywords
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Article Info
Publication History
Published online: January 04, 2021
Accepted:
December 30,
2020
Received in revised form:
December 5,
2020
Received:
September 29,
2020
Identification
Copyright
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