International health care workers report on war-related injuries among civilians in Gaza

A recent study published in The BMJ sheds light on the traumatic injuries and medical conditions faced by health care workers in Gaza during the ongoing military invasion.

Health care professionals reported encountering unusually severe traumatic injuries, including blast injuries, firearm-related wounds, and severe burns. Comparisons to previous conflicts suggest that the injuries seen in Gaza are more severe.

This study, which gathered data from frontline clinicians, provides critical insights into the types of injuries and conditions that require immediate attention, rehabilitation, and long-term planning.

Since October 2023, Gaza has experienced intense Israeli bombardment and ground incursions, resulting in a significant number of casualties. The study aimed to fill gaps in existing data by surveying health care workers who were deployed to Gaza.

A total of 78 doctors and nurses from various NGOs, mainly from the US, Canada, the UK, and EU member states, participated in the survey. They reported treating a wide range of injuries, with burns, leg injuries, and arm injuries being the most common.

Obstetric cases were also documented, with a significant proportion resulting in the death of the fetus, mother, or both. Psychological trauma, including depression and acute stress reactions, was prevalent among the population.

The study highlighted the challenges faced by health care workers, including managing injuries across multiple anatomical regions and dealing with mass casualties. Explosive injuries were the most common, particularly affecting the head, while firearm injuries targeted the legs.

In addition to trauma-related injuries, health care workers also treated individuals with general medical conditions such as malnutrition, dehydration, sepsis, and gastroenteritis. Chronic diseases requiring long-term treatment were also prevalent.

Despite the limitations of the study, the authors stress the urgent need for improved surveillance systems to address the complex health needs of the population in conflict zones like Gaza.

For more information, you can read the full study in The BMJ here.