Author: Lesho, Emil

Source: Military Medicine, Volume 176, Number 7, July 2011 , pp. 763-768(6)

Publisher: AMSUS - Association of Military Surgeons of the U.S.

Abstract:

ABSTRACT

Objective: Provide data and experience at a surgically augmented brigade medical support company during the Iraq surge for future deployments. Methods: Data were prospectively aggregated. Results: Eight thousand and eighty-three patients consisting of 52% coalition military, 19% U.S. military, and 29% U.S. or local civilians were evaluated. Ninety-four percent had disease nonbattle injuries and 4% had battle injuries. Ninety-five percent returned to duty, 2.5% admitted, 2% evacuated, and <1% died of wounds. Total occupied bed days were 416. Predominate trauma and surgical conditions included burns, explosive injury, extremity trauma, and predominate medical conditions included infections, musculoskeletal injuries, and mental health issues. One hundred and fifty-eight air evacuations were required (80% trauma and 20% medical). Conclusion: Challenges included lack of mental health providers, cardiac and chronic medications, and exercise electrocardiogram capability. Without physical therapists, experienced nurses, and ancillary medical care, approximately 1500 more air evacuations would have been required, and return-to-duty would have been significantly delayed for approximately 300 patients.

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2011-07-01

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• Military Medicine is the Association's official monthly journal. The objective of the Journal is to promote awareness of Federal medicine by providing a forum for responsible discussion of common ideas and problems relevant to Federal healthcare. Its mission is: To increase healthcare education by providing scientific and other information to its readers; to facilitate communication; and to offer a prestige publication for members' writings.
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