The Journal of surgical research
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In 1996, Congress passed legislation requiring the Department of Defense to conduct trauma training in civilian hospitals. In September of 1998 an Army team composed of surgeons, nurses, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and operating room technicians (OR techs) trained in a civilian level 1 trauma center. This study analyzes the quality of the training. ⋯ A 1-month training experience at a civilian trauma center provided military general surgeons with a greater trauma experience than they receive in 1 year at their home station. Other personnel on the team benefited by performing or being exposed to their SSTs. Further training of military teams in civilian trauma centers should be investigated.