The Red Cross classification of war wounds: the E.X.C.F.V.M. scoring system

Area of Science:

• Trauma surgery
• Military medicine
• Wound classification

Background:

• Current war wound classification lacks standardization.
• Effective communication and data collection are crucial for managing battlefield injuries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and validate the Red Cross classification system for war wounds.
• To establish a clinically significant and standardized method for assessing war injuries.

Main Methods:

• Development of a wound scoring system based on skin wounds, cavity, fracture, vital injury, and metallic bodies.
• Application of the classification to 247 war wounds in a field study.

Main Results:

• The Red Cross classification provides a feasible method for scoring wounds in the field.
• The system yields surgically relevant information for bullet and fragment wounds.
• Wounds can be graded by severity and typed by structures injured.

Conclusions:

• The Red Cross classification offers a standardized approach to war wound assessment.
• It provides a scientific basis for war surgery, audit, and data collection.
• Clinical significance is prioritized in identifying and managing war wounds.