Summary: | 【Abstract】Objective: To determine the pattern of
causalities of Iraqi ballistic missile attacks on Tehran, the
capital of Iran, during Iraq-Iran war.
Methods: Data were extracted from the Army Staff
Headquarters based on daily reports of Iranian army units
during the war.
Results: During 52 days, Tehran was stroked by 118
Al-Hussein missiles (a modified version of Scud missile).
Eighty-six missiles landed in populated areas. During Iraqi
missile attacks, 422 civilians died and 1 579 injured (4.9 deaths
and 18.3 injuries per missile). During 52 days, 8.1 of the
civilians died and 30.4 injured daily. Of the cases that died,
101 persons (24%) were excluded due to the lack of
information. Among the remainders, 179 (55.8%) were male
and 142 (44.2%) were female. The mean age of the victims
was 25.3 years±19.9 years. Our results show that the high
accuracy of modified Scud missiles landed in crowded ar-eas is the major cause of high mortality in Tehran. The pres-ence of suitable warning system and shelters could reduce
civilian casualties.
Conclusion: The awareness and readiness of civilian
defense forces, rescue services and all medical facilities for
dealing with mass casualties caused by ballistic missile at-tacks are necessary.
Key words: Mortality; War; Mass casualty incidents;
Wounds and injuries
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