Examining technologies to control hemorrhage by using modeling and simulation to simulate casualties and treatment

Military personnel deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan witnessed decreased numbers of soldiers killed in action and increased numbers of soldiers wounded in action. Medical personnel attribute these changes to use of improved body armor, rapid evacuation to medical treatment facilities, and use of medical technology. In recent years, medical technologist performed extensive research to identify and develop better field tourniquets and bandages to support wounded soldiers. Determining the benefit of these technologies to save a wounded soldier's life poses numerous challenges for medical personnel and commanders tasked to determine these benefits and make buy or no-buy decisions. This study uses modeling and simulation (M&S) to produce combat casualties, incorporate the projected benefits of field tourniquets and bandages, and examine their effects on wounded soldiers in a realistic simulated combat setting. The results show the positive benefit of using M&S to support analysis of medical technology and to inform medical research decisions.