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Abstract
The principles of Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) were adopted by a Royal Navy
surgical team deployed to northern Iraq. Over a 6-week period, 18 casualties of both
military and civil trauma required active resuscitation, 10 being under the age of
16 years. Triage of multiple casualties was necessary on three occasions. Two patients
died. It was difficult to exclude cervical spine injury. Venous cut-down was frequently
unsuccessful, so that internal jugular vein cannulation was life-saving. Crystalloid
was used as the primary infusion without apparent disadvantage. Cross-matched blood
was unavailable and one patient died with haemolysis after massive transfusion. Hypothermia
was a problem despite the high environmental temperature. Laboratory and radiological
facilities were extremely limited. Non-medical staff were trained most effectively
to assess vital signs, although sophisticated monitors became available. These problems
are discussed and compared with previous experience. Recommendations are made to improve
future outcome.
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References
- The Advanced Trauma Life Support Student Manual. American College of Surgeons, Chicago1989
- Steroid therapy following isolated smoke inhalation injury.J. Trauma. 1982; 22: 876
- Resuscitation experience in the Falklands Islands Campaign.Br. Med. J. 1983; 286: 775
Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
January 31,
1992
Identification
Copyright
© 1992 Published by Elsevier Inc.
