Physicians provide continuum of care for Desert Storm fighting forces

Article Abstract:

The medical care for Operation Desert Storm is coordinated between the front lines and care at hospitals back in the United States. In battle, wounds to the extremities have been the most common type of injury during this century, and will be in Desert Storm as well. Unofficial projections of casualties range from under two thousand (including 300 dead) to 45,000 (10,000 dead). In addition, there are noncombat deaths from accidents and other causes. After early doubts about medical preparedness, more personnel and supplies were sent to the Middle East. Medical attention begins in the field, before professionals are available, and to reduce mortality, every solder has been taught lifesaving skills for helping himself or another soldier. In addition, within each 10- to 12-person squad one specially trained soldier carries a medical kit in addition to his combat gear. Protective gear is available for use in case of chemical or biological warfare, and all the soldiers have been immunized against anthrax, the most likely biological agent. There are environmental aspects to consider as well, including the excessive heat, poisonous snakes and spiders, and scorpions. Tanks will likely figure large in a ground war, and escape from a damaged tank is hazardous, with burns a major problem, along with ''shock lung'' from the impact, hemorrhage, and smoke inhalation. A few hundred feet behind the front lines, aid posts are set up for triage, a technique for dividing the wounded into those who need immediate care but have a good chance of surviving, those who can wait for care, and those who are unlikely to survive at all. Appropriate action is taken for each group. The next steps are the battle station, the collecting and clearing company (which has some surgical capacity), naval ships or a Saudi hospital, and air transport to military hospitals in Germany, and finally air transport to a hospital near home in the United States. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Care and treatment, War wounds

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Specter of ground war overshadows Desert Storm medical, peace efforts

Article Abstract:

Every US Air Force squadron fighting in Desert Storm is accompanied by a flight surgeon, who can detect stress and fatigue in a flier and determine whether the flier needs to be grounded for rest. The navy flight surgeons monitor carrier-based and US Marine Corps fliers, while Army physicians look after helicopter crews. In February 1991, emphasis in medical planning shifted to medical buildup and preparations for a ground war. Computed tomography scanners, which are diagnostic machines that provide detailed images of internal structures, were added to the US army medical resources on the Arabian Peninsula and to US Navy hospital ships in the Persian Gulf. The Medical Supply, Optical, and Maintenance (MEDSOM) system and computer-controlled supply process were developed to alert medical planners before the development of shortages. The Desert Storm medical capability was structured in four stages, beginning with immediate emergency care provided by a medic at the front lines, followed by an aid station close to the front, medical clearing companies slightly farther back from the battle front, and finally well-staffed and well-equipped hospital facilities. Hospitals in the United States have also been prepared to accommodate the inflow of wounded by increasing the number of beds, lengthening duty hours, and eliminating elective medical procedures. The Veterans Affairs (VA) medical resources would serve as a principal backup to the military health care system. The east coast Air Force bases and Army, Navy, and Air Force hospitals throughout the United States have prepared for handling large numbers of wounded military personnel. In addition, communities close to military installations were alerted to the possible increase in numbers of military families and retirees seeking care at their hospitals. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

United States, Evaluation, Middle East, Wars, War, Medicine, Military, Military medicine, Hospitals, Military, Military hospitals

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Mental health professionals find fewer problems than expected in desert storm

Article Abstract:

In spite of harsh conditions, the mental health of the military personnel participating in Operation Desert Storm is remarkably good to date. Although a few people with both mental and physical problems were not screened in the rush to send troops to the Middle East, this has not proved to be a problem. Clinical depression and stress reactions have been fewer than would be expected in a city of almost half a million people, the size of the gulf build-up. Serious problems such as schizophrenia or manic-depressive disorders have not exceeded the levels expected in similar populations. Although several soldiers have threatened suicide, none of the 100 accidental deaths has been recorded as such. For those experiencing stress, three hot meals and a cot are provided, as well as a regular schedule and reassurance, after which they are returned to duty. A hot shower is also recommended as a restorative. Several factors foster mental health in this operation. The all-volunteer force is highly qualified and well equipped, and they have a strong sense of mission. Problems of alcohol and drug abuse, and associated accidents, are minimal in Saudi Arabia, and only four soldiers have been returned to the United States suffering from alcohol withdrawal. Everyone is busy adjusting to the environment and preparing for combat. There is strong support from home, and excellent mental health support in the Gulf. Much will now depend on how long the war lasts, and the kind of combat the soldiers will face. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Psychological aspects, Operation Desert Storm, 1991

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