title: Implementing and preserving the advances in combat casualty care from Iraq and Afghanistan throughout the US Military.
abstract: Thirteen years of continuous combat operations have enabled the US Military and its coalition partners to make a number of major advances in casualty care. The coalition nations have developed a superb combat trauma system and achieved unprecedented casualty survival rates. There remains, however, a need to accelerate the translation of new battlefield trauma care information, training, and equipment to units and individuals deploying in support of combat operations. In addition, the US Military needs to ensure that these advances are sustained during peace intervals and that we continue to build upon our successes as we prepare for future conflicts. This article contains recommendations designed to accomplish those goals. For the proposed actions to benefit all branches of our armed services, the direction will need to come from the Office of the Secretary of Defense in partnership with the Joint Staff. Effective translation of military advances in prehospital trauma care may also increase survival for law enforcement officers wounded in the line of duty and for civilian victims of Active Shooter or terrorist-related mass-casualty incidents.
authors.affiliation: From the Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care (F.K.B.), Joint Trauma System; Defense for Force Health Protection and Readiness (D.J.S.); and 17th Surgeon General of the United States (R.H.C.).
authors.forename: Frank K
authors.initials: FK
authors.lastname: Butler
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Richard H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Carmona
mesh_terms: D055826:Afghan Campaign 2001-; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards*; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D054542:Iraq War, 2003-2011; D008887:Military Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards*; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D014481:United States; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000628:therapy*