Enhancing combat casualty care in military medicine: the potential of early warning systems and wearable biosensors in large-scale warfare.

Abstract

The management of war casualties has evolved significantly. Tactical tourniquets, early surgical haemostasis and massive transfusion protocols have all contributed to a significant decrease in war casualties' mortality. Large scale combat scenarios pose new and major challenges, as the volume of casualties is predicted to exceed available resources. Combat Medical Early Warning Systems (CMEWS) and wearable biosensors could present promising solutions in this context. An Early Warning System consists of three key components: data collection of vital signs, analysis through an Early Warning Score and a corresponding medical response. Biosensors, on the other hand, enable continuous monitoring of physiological parameters. Their miniaturisation, connectivity and reliability make them promising tools, though challenges such as accuracy, cost and data integration remain. Integrated CMEWS, combining biosensors with automated decision-making algorithms, could revolutionise the management of war casualties. These systems would assist in the early identification of severe war casualties and triage, assisting health services in casualty flow management. They have the potential for providing a shared, real-time overview of casualties' status for all healthcare providers. Additionally, the integration of these systems into the battlefield would facilitate improved coordination across medical and command structures, enhancing patient management even in remote or high-risk environments. However, the adoption of integrated CMEWS and biosensors faces challenges, including data security concerns, infrastructure limitations and the need for significant investment and training. Despite these hurdles, their potential to enhance casualty care, particularly in high-intensity conflict settings, is evident and could transform both military and civilian emergency medical care.