The Management of Casualties from the Ballykinler Bomb Explosion

Introduction On the morning of 28 October 1974, Musgrave Park Military Wing had 65 occupied beds against its authorized establishment of. 66. At 1015 hours a bomb exploded without warning in a vehicle parked outside the Sandes Home near Abercorn Barracks, Ballykinler, County Down. News of the bombing and that the first casualties were on their way by air, was received at the Military Wing just before 1130 hours. All departments were informed and: a. The Operating Theatre was opened. b. Both surgical teams were called to readiness. c. The helicopter landing zone was manned. d. All patients fit to leave hospital were discharged. e. Off"duty staff were called in. The first lift of six casualties arrived by helicopter at 1145 hours, and the second of eight less seriously injured patients at 1205 hours. Later in the day five patients were transferred in from the Downpatrick Hospital, and a further five next morning. The admissions are listed in Table I.