Erin Waire’s Case Study on Boston Marathon Bombing

The Boston Marathon Bombing in 2013 resulted in four deaths and more than 250 injuries. Brothers Tamerlan Tsarnaev and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev detonated two pressure cooker bombs near the finish line of the race and fled the scene immediately after.

They also detonated five improvised explosive devices (IEDs) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and exchanged gunfire with the police. The tragedy resulted in healthcare needs and building/property damages with an estimated cost of $24.9 million. Researchers found that the bombing had lasting impacts on the children and adolescent populations present, who were more likely to experience PTSD than children who did not attend.

Erin Waire’s case study reports that the public health response following the bombing was highly effective. Healthcare workers and Emergency Medical Technicians were able to transport injured people so they received the necessary treatments in time. Law enforcement also used mass communication notification systems to issue lockdown and shelter in place orders in surrounding areas.