Resuscitation of combat casualties: unique challenges and lessons learned.
Resuscitation and trauma anesthesia of combat casualties is very similar to trauma care in any US hospital--except for the setting. Using case examples, this article describes the principles of trauma anesthesia and resuscitation and the lessons learned regarding the modifications required when caring for a combat casualty. Examples of a massive trauma resuscitation (>10 units of packed red blood cells in 24 hours) and burn resuscitation are presented.
Marshall
William B
WB
Department of the Army Civilian, Madigan Army Medical Center, Fort Lewis, Washington, USA. will.marshall@us.army.mil.
D000007:Abdominal Injuries / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy; D000328:Adult; D001803:Blood Transfusion; D002056:Burns / Q000451:nursing* / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy; D005597:Fractures, Open / Q000451:nursing / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008887:Military Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008888:Military Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012151:Resuscitation / Q000379:methods*; D014481:United States; D014861:Washington; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000451:nursing; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000451:nursing* / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy; D055815:Young Adult