title: A chest injury in an isolated geo-politically sensitive area: questions in management.
abstract: The reported case of a stab wound to the chest occurred in an isolated area with no specialized surgical care available. The need for transport and specifically by air, introduced particular questions in management. On a humanitarian basis and in line with its mandate, the Peace Monitoring Group, a United Nations endorsed entity in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea, provided transport to a facility with an appropriate standard of care. The questions of need for patient evacuation and chest drainage, with the timing of this maneuver are considered.
authors.affiliation: Royal Australian Air Force, RAAF Base East Sale, Victoria, Australia. richard.rahdon@defence.gov.au
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Rahdon
authors.forename: F H
authors.initials: FH
authors.lastname: Bridgewater
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Harris
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015505:Chest Tubes; D006801:Humans; D007373:Interinstitutional Relations; D007391:International Cooperation; D008297:Male; D008507:Medically Underserved Area; D010219:Papua New Guinea; D011057:Politics; D011859:Radiography; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D013997:Time Factors; D014187:Transportation of Patients / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014480:United Nations; D014857:Warfare; D014951:Wounds, Stab / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*