title: Data-based resource planning for battlefield trauma management.
abstract: Optimal medical care of the wounded soldier can be provided only if clinicians have appropriate supplies present in adequate quantities. At the same time, the battlefield environment requires maximum efficiency in resource utilization. Logistical support for field surgical units can be allocated more efficiently without compromising the quality of care by using a database derived from trauma patient management. The records of patients treated for gunshot wounds at an urban level I trauma center were reviewed and the use of medications at each stage of treatment was quantified. From this information, a database was compiled that could be used to predict medical resource requirements for combat scenarios. Such a database could be used to assist in planning logistical support, resulting in better tailoring of deployable medical unit resources to meet the actual needs of injured soldiers.
authors.affiliation: Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA.
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Bowersox
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003625:Data Collection; D016208:Databases, Factual; D006772:Hospitals, Military; D006801:Humans; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014193:Trauma Centers; D014481:United States; D014857:Warfare; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000601:surgery; D014948:Wounds, Gunshot / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000601:surgery