Physical therapy in a peacekeeping operation: Operation Joint Endeavor/Operation Joint Guard.
This article describes the deployment and utilization of physical therapy services at a combat support hospital during a recent peacekeeping mission in Bosnia. Approximately 17% of all soldiers reporting to the 21st Combat Support Hospital were evaluated and treated by physical therapy. Physical therapy services provided musculoskeletal evaluations, developed field-expedient rehabilitative programs for the deployed soldiers, and provided injury prevention programs for the peace implementation and sustainment forces. Physical therapy helped to provide a high return to duty status and a low rate of air evacuation for deployed troops. The lessons learned from this deployment can help clarify the role of physical therapy in future support operations and sustainment operations.
Teyhen
D S
DS
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC 20307, USA.
D017522:Bosnia and Herzegovina; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D008493:Medical Missions / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008887:Military Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008889:Military Personnel; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000534:rehabilitation; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012066:Relief Work / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014481:United States; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation