Crush injuries are normally the result of a heavy weight falling on to the casualty, although they can also occur in car accidents and other high-velocity accidents. All crush injuries should receive emergency medical attention. Although the injury may not appear life-threatening, there is a serious complication that can accompany a crush injury. When a muscle is crushed, haemoglobin (the oxygen-carrying pigment found in the red blood cells) is released into the bloodstream and can block the kidneys, causing failure and even death.
