Methods to Reduce Injuries Caused by Antipersonnel landmines

Aims. Antipersonnel landmines threaten the lives of a wide range of people from farmers and children living or playing at landmine-contaminated areas to military personnel dispatched to such areas for clearing operations. Mine-victim assistance programes are extremely costly. Results. Global statistics show that landmines cause 800 deaths and thousands of injuries every month. Most of the wounded live in rural areas, the lack of medical facilities increasing the death. According to an international survey, there are 60-70 million landmines in 70 countries in the world, killing and maiming military personnel and civilians alike. Long after wars in different areas of the world have ended, the indiscriminate use of landmines continue to deny the right to life and liberty of large numbers of civilians. In I.R.IRAN, in West Azarbayejan, Ilam, Khoozestan, Kordestan and Kermanshah provinces, there are still landmines threatening civilians. The aim of this study was to assess traumas inflicted by antipersonnel landmines. Methods. This article deals with the irreversible traumas which antipersonnel landmines inflict upon those inhibiting landmine-contaminated areas. Conclusion. Through such appropriate strategies as utilizing robots and special shoes, raising awareness and establishing research centers and data banks it is possible to reduce traumas caused by antipersonnel landmines.