Pasquier P, Laitselart P, David M, Vermeulen G, Alie T, Josse F, Keenan S. 25(4). 53 - 55. (Practice Guideline)
Abstract
Wound infections represent an increasing risk in combat trauma, especially in prolonged casualty care conditions char-acterized by evacuation delays and resource scarcity. This risk is compounded by multidrug-resistant organisms, which are difficult to detect and treat in austere settings. This article introduces a "Ruck-Truck-House-Plane" model for infection control and wound management in prolonged casualty care (Role 1) and prolonged care (beyond Role 1) environments. This original approach includes practical procedures and de-cision-making from point of injury to tertiary care transfer. It emphasizes early decontamination, phased surgical care, re-mote microbial diagnostics, and antimicrobial stewardship to reduce morbidity and mortality in modern warfare.
Keywords: combat-related wound infection; prolonged casualty care; prolonged care; military trauma; multidrug-resistant organisms