Damage Control Resuscitation Ukraine: Small Unit Training in Large Scale Combat Operations, Lessons Learned/Shared...

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Military Medicine
• Trauma Care

Background:

• Prehospital care in large-scale combat operations presents unique challenges.
• Prolonged casualty care and evacuation delays are realities in conflict zones like Ukraine.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the structure, outcomes, and lessons learned from a Damage Control Resuscitation (DCR) training program in Ukraine.
• To enhance local medical capacity for prehospital care in a combat environment.

Main Methods:

• Implemented a DCR training program integrating prolonged field care principles.
• Utilized bilingual instruction, competency-based skill reinforcement, and a train-the-trainer approach.
• Focused on addressing challenges specific to large-scale combat operations.

Main Results:

• Successfully delivered DCR and prolonged field care training in a conflict zone.
• Demonstrated the effectiveness of a bilingual, competency-based, train-the-trainer model.
• Highlighted the need for standardized pre-hospital training and continuous skills assessment.

Conclusions:

• Standardized pre-hospital training is crucial for effective medical response in conflict zones.
• Scalable and adaptable medical training programs are essential for enhancing capacity in austere environments.
• Future efforts should build upon these foundations to further develop medical readiness in combat zones.