There are alot of "books" and experts....
The bottom line on most surgical wounds in austere conditions is leave the wound open, clean it often and make sure that the nutrition of the patient is optimized, dont put anything (solution ointment) in a wound that you would not put in your eye.
when your friends get back have them train with DAMN
check out the website
www.directationmedialnetwork.com
These guys are all MDs with surgery backgrounds and train operators (medical and nonmedical) in enhancing the human weapon system and to deal with medical issues down range.