Journal of the Royal Army Medical Corps
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Review
Current concepts in the epidemiology and management of battlefield head, face and neck trauma.
There has been a significant increase in the incidence of head, face and neck (HFN) injuries in the 21st century in comparison to that experienced in the previous century. In the majority of HFN injuries the primary cause of death is secondary to airway compromise and with the exception of severe neck wounds haemorrhage is an unusual cause of death. ⋯ Equivalent armour to protect the neck and face is not yet effective and requires development. We describe the current epidemiology and management of battlefield head, face and neck trauma.
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The Institute of Surgical Research is the U. S. Army's lead research laboratory for improving the care of combat casualties. ⋯ Burn research has focused on improving personnel protective equipment and implementing continuous renal replacement therapy. This research program is soldier focused and addresses care from self aid and buddy aid through all echelons of care. Many of these advances have been adopted in civilian medical centres as well, benefiting not only the military trauma patient, but also the civilian trauma patient.