Development of a forensic evidence preservation protocol for military emergency departments: A methodological study

To become a trusted military hospital and facilitate development alongside the establishment of the National Trauma Center, accurate investigations into various incidents are crucial for uncovering the truth. This study aims to develop standardized and systematic guidelines for preserving forensic discipline for patients who visit the emergency department of the Armed Forces Hospital. This methodological developmental study involved protocol development based on a literature review and expert validation. Key incident types required for developing the forensic evidence preservation protocol were identified. A preliminary protocol was drafted by reviewing 15 literature sources, and each item was validated by a panel of 10 forensic experts. Items with a content validity index of ≥ 0.8 were selected, while those with a content validity index of < 0.8 were revised or excluded. Clinical applicability was then evaluated by 10 intended end-users. The final protocol comprised 37 items and was tailored for implementation in the military hospital emergency department. The events required for protocol development in military hospitals included gunshot wounds, explosions, sharp force trauma, and traffic-related accidents. The completed protocol consisted of 37 items and was structured into 3 stages: before patient arrival, upon patient arrival, and during evidence transfer to the investigative agency. The developed evidence preservation protocol will help emergency department personnel with limited forensic expertise in contributing to military police investigations. It enhances the role of military medical institutions by strengthening their capabilities and aligning them with broader efforts to advance military trauma care systems.