title: Value of the multi-service casualty processing unit in Operation Desert Storm: teamwork and flexibility.
abstract: This paper examines the role and implementation of a casualty processing unit (CPU) developed by a multi-service group during Operation Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia. Data were obtained from review of flight manifests, fleet hospital admission records, 24-hour follow-up of patients admitted to Fleet Hospital 15, and patient chart reviews following Desert Storm. The data indicate the CPU proved to be an effective and practical approach to health care in a combat zone, and provided an increased number of returned-to-duty personnel and timely triage of most seriously wounded combatants. In addition, it provided an opportunity for medical personnel of all branches of the armed services to participate as a team. As a result of this study, we propose consideration be given to use of this type of multi-service facility in future combat arenas.
authors.affiliation: Hahnemann University School of Medicine, Department of Surgery, Philadelphia, PA 19102-1192, USA.
authors.forename: P E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Crawford
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Armstrong
authors.forename: M D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Kerstein
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Oxler
authors.forename: T V
authors.initials: TV
authors.lastname: Draude
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008887:Military Medicine; D008952:Mobile Health Units / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012529:Saudi Arabia; D014218:Triage; D014481:United States