In this episode of Frontline Surgery: Mastering Military Trauma Care, hosts Drs. Rachel Russo and Matt Martin delve into the intricacies of military trauma care with guests Colonel Brian J. Eastridge, MD and Colonel Rachel A. Hight, MD. Discover the challenges and triumphs of operating in a role three military treatment facility, the evolution of battlefield trauma systems, and the future of surgical operations in large-scale conflicts. Join us for an insightful discussion on the unique demands and innovations in military medicine.

Keywords: Military Trauma Care, Trauma Surgery, Role Three Facility, Battlefield Surgery, Combat Casualty Care, Trauma Systems, Military Medicine, Surgical Operations, Future Conflicts, Medical Readiness, Trauma Leadership, LSCO

In this episode, Drs. Jeff Conner and Jay Yelon speak with COL (ret) Matthew Martin, MD, to discuss the realities of providing surgical care at a Role 2 Medical Treatment Facility. Drawing from extensive deployment experience, Dr. Martin outlines the clinical, operational, and leadership challenges that surgeons encounter in this environment. Topics include the essential mission of damage control surgery, managing trauma care with limited imaging and subspecialty support, strategies for blood product management, preparation for orthopedic and complex injuries, and the critical importance of team cohesion and effective communication.

The episode also highlights best practices for predeployment readiness and continuity of operations. As referenced in the discussion, listeners may access an example “Volume of Experience” handoff document created for a Forward Surgical Team in Afghanistan.

View “655th Forward Surgical Team Combat Trauma Volume of Experience; Protocols, Practices, and Lessons Learned” here.

Literature Mentioned:
Front Line Surgery: A Practical Approach
Top Knife: The Art and Craft of Trauma Surgery
Emergency War Surgery

Keywords: Role 2 MTF, Forward Surgical Team, Damage Control Surgery, Military Trauma Care, Resource-Limited Trauma Care, Walking Blood Bank, Operational Medicine, Trauma Leadership

In this episode of Front Line Surgery: Mastering Military Trauma Care, hosts Drs. Joshua Dilday and Matt Eckert engage with Col (ret) Jeremy Cannon, MD to explore the critical aspects of damage control surgery in military trauma care. The conversation delves into operational challenges faced by trauma surgeons in combat settings, the principles of damage control surgery, and the importance of adapting civilian practices to austere environments. Dr. Cannon shares innovative solutions for resource-limited situations, common pitfalls to avoid, and emphasizes the significance of experience and preparation for young surgeons. The episode concludes with practical advice for trauma care in unpredictable scenarios.

Literature Mentioned:
Front Line Surgery: A Practical Approach
Top Knife: The Art and Craft of Trauma Surgery
Emergency War Surgery
Rotondo, et al. “Damage Control”: An Approach for Improved Survival In Exsanguinating Penetrating Abdominal Injury
ACS M Curriculum - Damage Control Surgery
ACS M Curriculum - Emergency Resuscitative Thoracotomy
JTS CPG: Emergency Resuscitative Thoracotomy
JTS CPT: Blunt Abdominal Trauma

Keywords: Damage control surgery, military trauma care, trauma surgery principles, combat casualty care, surgical leadership, resource-limited environments, trauma surgeon training, operational challenges, innovative surgical techniques, trauma care preparation