The management of ballistic trauma: an infection control perspective

This article discusses the relationship between ballistic trauma, clostridial contamination and potential wound infection and considers the implications for care by nurses and infection control teams. An overview of ballistics is presented followed by an examination of the pathophysiology of wounding and its effects. The philosophy of war surgery is balanced against civilian concepts and the differing management strategies that prevail. It explores the causes of, and relationship between, wound contamination and the seriousness of wound infection. Nurses, inexperienced in dealing and caring for these types of patients, should be aware and understand the beliefs, arguments and controversies that surround ballistic trauma management. By so doing, nurses and infection control teams will be able to provide an enhanced level of holistic nursing care.