Strategic Orthopedic Evacuations to the Spanish Role 4 During a Decade (2009-2018)

Area of Science:

• Military Medicine
• Trauma Surgery
• Medical Evacuation

Background:

• Casualty evacuation is crucial for military operations, often requiring transfer to national territories for advanced care.
• The Spanish Role 4 Medical Treatment Facility plays a key role in managing these complex cases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze patients evacuated from operational areas to the Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology Unit of the Spanish Role 4 Medical Treatment Facility over a decade.
• To identify patterns in injuries, causes, and treatments for evacuated military personnel.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2018.
• Data included all personnel evacuated from Areas of Operation to the Spanish Role 4 facility.
• Statistical analysis involved absolute and relative frequencies for categorical variables.

Main Results:

• A total of 520 evacuations occurred, with 227 directed to the Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology Unit.
• The most common injuries were fractures of the extremities, predominantly caused by accidents (43.17%) and sports (25.3%).
• Afghanistan and Lebanon were the primary areas of operation for evacuations; no deaths were recorded.

Conclusions:

• Trauma-related evacuations constitute over half of medical repatriations, with limb fractures being the most frequent.
• Sports injuries represent the leading preventable cause of evacuation.
• Maintaining the Spanish Role 4 Medical Treatment Facility is vital for effective medical support in international military missions.