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| I r a n i a n M i n e V i c t i m R e s c u e C e n t e r ( I M C ) |
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As different studies have indicated, Iran is one of the top countries on the list of those having the highest mortality and morbidity rates among land mine victims. According to a recent study conducted in Imam Khomeini hospital, located in western Ilam province between 1989 and 1999, more than 36.6% of all land mine explosion victims have died of their injuries.
The figure was obviously much higher than the global rates. Therefore the Iranian land Mine Resource Center has focused all efforts at reducing mortality rates among land mine victims in Mehran border area, since 2001. Having a long border with Iraq, Mehran has the largest mine fields after an 8 year war with neighboring Iraq. We really appreciate contributions from certain international organizations that have been of great help to us in the course of our challenges.
Mine - sweeping & demarcation of mine fields are expensive and very time - consuming procedures, requiring huge funding and sophisticated equipments ($300 – 1000 for each single mine).
Obviously mine explosion victims need treatment, but how to approach a mine victim in disaster fields in particular, determines the odds of survival before getting into the nearest medical facility or a hospital.
Indeed, the most advanced medical & surgical services available at nearby hospitals are of minor use to land mine victims who have suffered injuries in remote rural areas, because most of these victims has little or no chance to reach the hospital at all.
We believe that the best way to cope with this problem is to enhance first aid services rendered by people from all walks of life including peasants and nomads, not only to save the victims of land mine explosions but also to help all casualties from different road accidents to myocardial infarctions and drowning.
Obviously, casualties enjoying these first aid services have higher chances to reach the hospital and seek advanced medical care.
First helpers from all walks of life can learn very simple but life saving techniques. The Iranian Mine Victim Resource Center is planning and performing special training courses to save land mine victims.
