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Unexploded Ordnance in an Expectant Patient: A Case Report
Christopher M Howell1, Joseph S Sontgerath2, Luke B Simonet3
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Wright-Patterson Medical Center; 4881 Sugar Maple Drive, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH 45433.
Military Medicine
|March 2, 2016
Summary
Unexploded ordnance (UXO) poses a rare but serious threat during patient care in deployed settings. Early identification and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team involvement are critical for managing UXO risks, even posthumously.
Area of Science:
- Military Medicine
- Trauma Management
- Public Health
Background:
- Deployed military operations face diverse threats, including unexploded ordnance (UXO).
- Retained UXO presents unique risks to medical personnel and patient movement during casualty care.
- Standard protocols for managing UXO involve radiographic identification, minimizing patient movement, and isolation.
Observation:
- A case involving a deceased patient in the expectant triage category is presented.
- Delayed identification of retained unexploded ordnance occurred during postmortem preparation.
- This highlights the persistent risk of UXO even after a patient's death.
Findings:
- Plain film radiography is essential for determining the type of ordnance.
- Minimizing patient movement and strategic isolation are key management principles.
- Early involvement of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team is paramount.
Implications:
- This case underscores the need for vigilance regarding UXO, even in unexpected circumstances.
- Reinforces the importance of robust EOD protocols in all phases of deployed medical operations.
- Highlights potential risks during postmortem procedures in high-threat environments.
