Medical support for future large-scale combat operations

Abstract

LAY SUMMARY Assumptions for how the Canadian Armed Forces cares for injured soldiers on the battlefield may no longer hold true. Previous treatments were designed for counterinsurgency operations where Allied Forces dominated the air and land during operations. However, the recent fighting in Ukraine highlights the need to develop a doctrine for pre-hospital care on the battlefield for large-scale combat operations. In these operations, modern weapons are extremely lethal, and the casualty rate is extremely high. This review examines the development of tactical combat casualty care and the assumptions behind its treatment algorithms. It suggests changes need to be made to better support Canadian soldiers if fighting in large-scale combat operations.