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Initial Assessment and Resuscitation of the Battlefield Casualty—an Overview

  • The Military Perspective (M Martin and M Tadlock, Section Editors)
  • Published:
Current Trauma Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

This review focuses on the recent evolution of the initial resuscitation of combat-injured personnel. It summarizes the recommendations of TCCC and makes recommendations based on literature review and author experience.

Recent Findings

Over nearly 20 years, the experience in caring for combat casualties in the global war on terror has led to significant changes within military trauma care. Evolution of pre-hospital care, utilization of tourniquets and TXA for hemorrhage control, and use of whole blood as the preferred resuscitative fluid have significantly reduced mortality. Additionally, the collective wisdom of experienced trauma surgeons serves as an invaluable guide for managing setup and flow within the various levels of the military trauma system.

Summary

This review article highlights recommended practices for the initial resuscitation of personnel injured in combat along with providing proven methods for trauma team preparation and management that can and should be used by any surgeon preparing to deploy.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1st Medical Battalion, Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, CA, USA

    William J. Butler

  2. Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA

    William J. Butler, Matthew D. Tadlock & Matthew J. Martin

  3. Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, UK

    Jason E. Smith

  4. Academic Department of Military Emergency Medicine, Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Birmingham, UK

    Jason E. Smith

  5. Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA

    Matthew D. Tadlock

  6. Scripps Mercy Hospital, San Diego, CA, USA

    Matthew J. Martin

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  1. William J. Butler
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Correspondence to William J. Butler.

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Butler, W.J., Smith, J.E., Tadlock, M.D. et al. Initial Assessment and Resuscitation of the Battlefield Casualty—an Overview. Curr Trauma Rep 6, 194–206 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40719-020-00200-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40719-020-00200-y

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