Journal of the Royal Army Medical Corps
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With the development of British Army doctrine it is necessary to review the concepts underlying medical support to the modern battlefield. In particular, the provision of timely and balanced resuscitation to the high intensity battle is an issue requiring an understanding of both the tactical and the clinical demands. The wholesale application of civilian techniques and approaches to trauma management is not possible given the austerity of the battlefield clinical environment. ⋯ Specifically, the introduction of a triad approach to trauma management is offered. The triad comprises readily available Battlefield Advanced Trauma Life Support (BATLS) skills, Surgical Resuscitation deployed forward and the provision of Field Intensive Care. Such an approach would marry together the clinically ideal with the tactically.
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There is a requirement for a basic approach to the provision of analgesia on the battlefield using the morphine autojet. Assuming there is cardiorespiratory stability and no contraindications to opioid therapy, morphine can be administered intramuscularly to a serviceman in pain on a 2 hourly basis provided that there are no adverse effects on the respiratory rate and degree of sedation. This proven simple approach in civilian practice has the potential to be incorporated into Battlefield Advanced Trauma Life Support (BATLS) and Combat Training Regimens (CTR).