Surviving a Landmine Explosion

Imagine that you are walking to work, or school, or the corner store. It is a bright, sunny spring day. You hear the songs of birds as you think about the day ahead. Without warning, there is an ear-splitting explosion. You are knocked to the ground and feel a searing pain in your legs... You regain consciousness in a hospital. Gradually you learn that your foot touched off a landmine. It must have been when you stepped near the side of the road. Your right leg has been amputated above the knee. Your left foot is gone. Life will never be the same as it was when you stepped out the door of your house.

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Though the horror of landmines is far removed from most people in the U.S., it is a part of daily life for millions in the world who live in lands sown with landmines. What does it mean to be a "landmine survivor"? What is the impact of landmine injuries on the family and community?

For the victim of a landmine explosion, immediate emergency medical care is essential to increase the chance of survival. However, stabilization is only the first stage of what is often protracted medical care, care which may strain patient and community resources. Landmine survivors may need limb amputations, multiple surgeries, and physical rehabilitation. Many of the countries which are most heavily infested with landmines are among the world's poorest. Many victims cannot afford the purchase, repair and replacement of prosthetic limbs and assistive devices, and in many countries these are not even available.

Victims often need psychological support as they adjust to their injuries and physical limitations. Reintegration into the work force may be difficult. How does a farmer-amputee continue to farm and support his family? How does a mother-amputee in an impoverished rural area care for her children, gather firewood, cook meals, and wash clothes? And how do the families of those killed by landmines cope?

The Mine Ban Treaty and survivor assistance

The Mine Ban Treaty, which went into force on March 1, addresses the rehabilitation required for the hundreds of thousands of landmine survivors worldwide. The treaty requires that those parties "in a position to do so shall provide assistance for the care and rehabilitation and social and economic reintegration of mine victims."

The International Campaign to Ban Landmines' Working Group on Victims Assistance has created guidelines for the care and rehabilitation of survivors. These guidelines will direct Mine Ban Treaty State Parties in assisting landmine survivors worldwide. Every country can do its part to ensure that a landmine victim's life is not permanently shattered by this tragedy.

For Landmine Survivor Information: Landmine Survivors Network (LSN), 700 Thirteenth St., NW #950, Washington, DC 20005; phone: 202-661-3537; e-mail: LSN@landminesurvivors.org; website: http://www.landminesurvivors.org.