Journal of the Royal Army Medical Corps
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Biography Historical Article Classical Article
Observations on casualties from the Western Desert and Libya arriving at a base hospital. 1941.
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This paper reports the surgical experience of a UK reserve field surgical hospital during military operations in Iraq during March and April 2003. Particular reference is given to the integration of the surgical specialities, consultant led and multidisciplinary teamworking in the treatment of military and civilian casualties from all sources and of all causes. METHODS All surgical workload data was collected prospectively for the warfighting (Phase One) and specialist referral (Phase Two) phases of the operation. Standard military and Red Cross protocols were used for all injuries and microbiology studies were undertaken for penetrating ballistic injuries. Operations were classified by anatomical region; upper or lower limb; head and neck; thoracic; abdominal, including genitourinary; ophthalmic; and burns, and by whether they were primary; secondary planned or secondary unplanned. ⋯ Patterns of wounding in casualties surviving to reach specialist field hospital care were similar to those reported in other high intensity conflicts. A consultant led, multidisciplinary approach with field intensive care facilities allowed combined, staged and safe surgery for complex, multi-organ and multi-limb trauma in an austere environment.
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The vast majority of casualties will only require a common sense approach to their preparation for evacuation, by asking simple questions, most problems can be identified and resolved prior to the evacuation. Ask? Are aeromed teams available to undertake this task? (Contact them). If aeromed teams are unavailable but can offer advice, talk to them. ⋯ It is extremely important to prepare the casualty properly prior to the flight. A few extra minutes on the ground preparing the casualty may ultimately save their life. However, the tactical situation or the condition of the casualty may dictate the scoop and scoot approach, rather than stay and play.
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Cutaneous myiasis is a temporary infestation of the skin with fly larvae (1). The following is a description of a case of cutaneous myiasis caused by the African Tumbu fly (Cordylobia anthropophaga). The clinical presentation and treatment of this infestation is discussed. A review of the Tumbu fly's lifecycle with emphasis on the prevention of the disease in the operational environment is also described.