Battlefield Injury and Infection

Description

This VTT captures a comprehensive session led by Deborah Mortiboy, focused on the management of injuries in military settings, particularly during the critical early days post-injury. The discussion emphasizes high-level principles of trauma care, the complexity of battlefield injuries such as ballistic and blast wounds, and the implications of local microbial resistance on treatment choices. Mortiboy outlines key strategies for managing these injuries, highlighting the necessity for prompt and coordinated surgical intervention, meticulous debridement of contaminated wounds, and careful antibiotic stewardship.



Throughout the session, she emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, involving multiple expertise areas such as surgical, microbiological, and rehabilitation teams, to improve patient outcomes. The discussion includes considerations for antibiotic therapy, the significance of understanding local infection patterns and environmental conditions, and the need for tailored treatments based on specific injury mechanisms.



Both Mortiboy and her colleague Deepa Bose reiterate the importance of maintaining a holistic view of the patient, addressing not only the physical trauma but also potential infections and other systemic implications. They stress the challenges posed by exponential increases in antimicrobial resistance in military contexts and offer practical insights from their extensive experience in war zones, such as Iraq and Afghanistan.

DOI: 10.1302/3114-230067

Specialties