Evaluation, Utilization, Modification, Development and Training Requirements ofPre-Established FDA Approved Field Medical Equipment for the Far Forward Resuscitation, Treatment and Evaluation of the Critically Injured Soldier

摘要

The application of advanced life saving procedures to the injured soldier usuallyoccurs at the forward edge of the battle area (FEBA), where the care is usually provided by a medic. Mortality from trauma usually breaks down into: 50-60% secondary to Central Nervous System injury, 30-40% by Hemorrhage, 15-20% Airway Failure. The areas that can be improved upon in medic training and technical support include advanced fluid resuscitation, airway management and recognizing and treating identifiable traumatic injuries. In order to begin to provide advanced resuscitative care in the far forward area, either the equipment which usually is designed for an advanced provider (i.e. Physician) to utilize, must be modified or the ability to assess training regimens regarding the efficacy in the utilization of the equipment must be analyzed to assure adequate reproducibility, technical expertise and desired endpoint in regards to acceptable trauma care. While Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) has set standards for the treatment of various life threatening injuries the ability of a medic to perform these tasks has not been assessed. Also the limited resources and equipment that the Special Forces medic has available in the austere special operations environment may further limit procedures that are routinely available at the battalion aid station or other far forward medical units.