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Austere Resuscitative and Surgical Care in Modern Combat Operations

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

Abstract

Purpose of Review

To describe the design, intent, utilization, and limitations of austere resuscitative surgical care (ARSC) in modern combat operations.

Recent Findings

The dispersed nature of modern combat operations combined with growing recognition of the value of prompt surgical intervention for combat injuries has driven increased demand for small, mobile ARSC teams. Level 3 evidence suggests generally favorable outcomes for casualties treated by austere surgical teams when compared to initial treatment at higher echelons of care. Case-series have demonstrated the lifesaving potential of ARSC teams, although high-grade outcomes data is lacking. Standardized selection and training paradigms are needed for ARSC teams.

Summary

Modern combat operations are geographically dispersed and have trended toward small-scale, highly specialized operations. Specially trained ARSC teams fill a critical capability gap in preventing battlefield death. Integrated surgical and tactical training networks are needed to better prepare mobile medical teams for deployment to austere environments.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of General Surgery, ATTN: MCHJ-SGY-G, Madigan Army Medical Center, 9040-A Fitzsimmons Avenue, Tacoma, WA, 98407, USA

    Jason Bingham

  2. Womack Army Medical Center, Ft. Bragg, NC, 28310, USA

    Steven Satterly

  3. University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA

    Matthew Eckert

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  1. Jason Bingham
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  2. Steven Satterly
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  3. Matthew Eckert
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jason Bingham.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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The views expressed are the authors’ own and do not represent those of the US Army or Department of Defense.

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Bingham, J., Satterly, S. & Eckert, M. Austere Resuscitative and Surgical Care in Modern Combat Operations. Curr Trauma Rep 7, 53–59 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40719-021-00214-0

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