Definition

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:

• Bleeding
• Bruising
• Compartment syndrome (increased pressure, usually in an arm or leg, that causes serious muscle, nerve, blood vessel, and tissue damage)
• Broken bone (fracture)
• Open wound (laceration)
• Nerve injury
• Infection (caused by bacteria that enter the body through a wound)

First Aid

Steps for first aid treatment of a crush injury are:

• Stop bleeding by applying direct pressure.
• Cover the area with a moist cloth or bandage. Then, raise the area above the level of the heart, if possible.
• If there is suspicion of a head, neck, or spinal injury, immobilize those areas if possible and then limit movement to only the crushed area.
• Call 911 or the local emergency number.

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

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.