Maritime in transit care

Area of Science:

• Military Medicine
• Emergency Medical Services
• Maritime Health

Background:

• The need for advanced pre-hospital emergency care (PHEC) on contingency operations was identified.
• Previous operations highlighted the capability of military medical teams, but maritime deployment required further exploration.
• Role 2 (Enhanced) (R2(E)) Medical Treatment Facilities offer damage control surgery and patient holding capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report on the first operational deployment of the Maritime In Transit Care team during Operation GRITROCK.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of the R2(E) Medical Treatment Facility on board RFA ARGUS for maritime medical evacuation.
• To identify lessons learned and opportunities for developing PHEC in a maritime environment.

Main Methods:

• Deployment of the Maritime In Transit Care team from the R2(E) MTF on RFA ARGUS.
• Provision of medical evacuation capability across a large Joint Operation Area.
• Observation and analysis of patient care and logistical support during the operation.

Main Results:

• The first operational deployment of the Maritime In Transit Care team was successfully executed.
• The R2(E) MTF provided essential medical support and evacuation capabilities in a maritime setting.
• Although patient numbers were low, valuable insights into medical and logistical development were gained.

Conclusions:

• Operation GRITROCK demonstrated the viability of maritime PHEC from an R2(E) platform.
• Key lessons were learned to further develop the sub-speciality of maritime PHEC.
• Opportunities for enhancing medical and logistical support for future contingency operations were identified.