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Crush injury

A crush injury occurs when excessive force or pressure is put on a body part. This type of injury most often happens when part of the body is squeezed between two heavy objects.

Damage related to crush injuries include:

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First Aid

Steps for first aid treatment of a crush injury are:

Crush injuries most often need to be evaluated in a hospital emergency department. Surgery may be needed.

Related Information

Cuts and puncture wounds
Broken bone
Bleeding
Bleeding into the skin
Compartment syndrome
Smashed fingers

References

Sheridan RL. Medical aspects of trauma and burns. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 97.

Tang N, Levy MJ. Tactical emergency medical support and urban search and rescue. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap e16.

Weinstein ES, Ragazzoni L. Introduction to structural collapse (crush injury and crush syndrome). In: Ciottone G, ed. Ciottone's Disaster Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 172.

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Review Date: 11/2/2023  

Reviewed By: Jesse Borke, MD, CPE, FAAEM, FACEP, Attending Physician at Kaiser Permanente, Orange County, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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