Thread: TQ Protocols
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Old 04-24-2006, 11:44   #3
Invictus
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Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: England
Posts: 8
Makes a lot of sense. He has simply noticed the different needs of the two environments wants to know if his observations are accurate (I think?). You are correct that the issue of prolongued tourniquet application is definitely secondary to that of getting the casualty to the OR alive. It used to be taught over here to release the tourniquet periodically to avoid necrosis of the tissues. This, of course, flies in the face of even the most basic principle of 'life before limb', to risk the casualty's life by allowing him to bleed out is not the best of ideas. The hostile / remote environment clearly requires a more aggresive approach to pre-hospital care than domestic agencies, which is already reflected in our treatment protocols. I think that medical 'subject matter experts' in the civilian environment, who determine trauma rules and protocols for their civilian agencies, tend to have a poor understanding of what we, as combat medics are trying to achieve in the field. That is, to make sure that our guys get home to their families instead of going home in a box, irrespective of the tactical / logistic challenges.

Hope this helps.
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Last edited by Invictus; 04-24-2006 at 11:47.
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