Medical support to a nonprofessional brigade during the Croatian Operation Storm

A review and description is presented of medical support in the nonprofessional Croatian Home Guard brigade (2,200 soldiers) during the Croatian Operation Storm. Medical support was organized according to a straightforward and easily changeable model that enabled quick adaptations from defense to attack positions. It was provided initially on the front line by company reception units. Further support included battalion aid stations, brigade clearing stations, and the clinical Hospital (fourth echelon) in the nearby city. The brigade medical corps was all volunteers; 9 medical doctors (two women) and 20 medical technicians and nurses. Medical corps assets included a mobile surgical team, eight ambulance vehicles, two spare vehicles, and one helicopter. After one 3-day action, brigade losses were 3 dead, 31 wounded (14 with firearms), and 2 diseased. According to the available data, enemy losses were 25 dead, 4 wounded, 2 sick soldiers, and 48 captured. Transportation time from the battlefield to the hospital was between 60 and 75 minutes. There were no deceased (including enemy soldiers) because of insufficient medical support and/or transportation problems. The applied model of medical corps organization, elaborate preparations, good training, and excellent motivation had a major role in successful treatment of war casualties.