EMS Response to a Major Aircraft Incident: Sioux City, Iowa

Abstract

On July 19,1989, at 1515h, United Airlines flight 232 with 297 passengers and crew on board, experienced disintegration of the number 2 engine (in the tail section) while at 40-thousand feet above Alta, Iowa (Map 1). The DC-10, en route from Denver to Chicago, was diverted to Sioux City, Iowa's Gateway Airport. The disabled jet made a crash landing on an unused runway, burst apart, and caught fire upon impact. Due to the advanced warning of the potential crash, local crash-fire-rescue (CFR) units from the Air National Guard stationed at Gateway Airport, local and regional paramedic and fire units, an advanced life-support EMS helicopter service, and the two Sioux City hospitals were on alert and ready. Firefighters and Air National Guard personnel fought the fire and EMS personnel performed triage, provided emergency care in the field, and transported victims from the crash scene to local health care facilities in Sioux City. Injured victims in critical condition were transported first followed by those with lesser injuries. All were being treated within one hour and 45 minutes of the event. Of the 297 passengers and crew, 59 were admitted to local hospitals in critical condition, and 124 were treated for less severe injuries and later released.