In this episode, Drs. Jeff Conner and Jay Yelon speak with COL (ret) Matthew Martin, MD, to discuss the realities of providing surgical care at a Role 2 Medical Treatment Facility. Drawing from extensive deployment experience, Dr. Martin outlines the clinical, operational, and leadership challenges that surgeons encounter in this environment. Topics include the essential mission of damage control surgery, managing trauma care with limited imaging and subspecialty support, strategies for blood product management, preparation for orthopedic and complex injuries, and the critical importance of team cohesion and effective communication.

The episode also highlights best practices for predeployment readiness and continuity of operations. As referenced in the discussion, listeners may access an example “Volume of Experience” handoff document created for a Forward Surgical Team in Afghanistan.

View “655th Forward Surgical Team Combat Trauma Volume of Experience; Protocols, Practices, and Lessons Learned” here.

Literature Mentioned:
Front Line Surgery: A Practical Approach
Top Knife: The Art and Craft of Trauma Surgery
Emergency War Surgery

Keywords: Role 2 MTF, Forward Surgical Team, Damage Control Surgery, Military Trauma Care, Resource-Limited Trauma Care, Walking Blood Bank, Operational Medicine, Trauma Leadership

In this episode of Front Line Surgery: Mastering Military Trauma Care, hosts Drs. Joshua Dilday and Matt Eckert engage with Col (ret) Jeremy Cannon, MD to explore the critical aspects of damage control surgery in military trauma care. The conversation delves into operational challenges faced by trauma surgeons in combat settings, the principles of damage control surgery, and the importance of adapting civilian practices to austere environments. Dr. Cannon shares innovative solutions for resource-limited situations, common pitfalls to avoid, and emphasizes the significance of experience and preparation for young surgeons. The episode concludes with practical advice for trauma care in unpredictable scenarios.

Literature Mentioned:
Front Line Surgery: A Practical Approach
Top Knife: The Art and Craft of Trauma Surgery
Emergency War Surgery
Rotondo, et al. “Damage Control”: An Approach for Improved Survival In Exsanguinating Penetrating Abdominal Injury
ACS M Curriculum - Damage Control Surgery
ACS M Curriculum - Emergency Resuscitative Thoracotomy
JTS CPG: Emergency Resuscitative Thoracotomy
JTS CPT: Blunt Abdominal Trauma

Keywords: Damage control surgery, military trauma care, trauma surgery principles, combat casualty care, surgical leadership, resource-limited environments, trauma surgeon training, operational challenges, innovative surgical techniques, trauma care preparation

In this episode of Frontline Surgery: Mastering Military Trauma Care, Drs. Joshua Dilday and Jeff Conner discuss the critical aspects of Damage Control Resuscitation (DCR) with expert COL (ret) John Holcomb, MD. The conversation covers the importance of stopping bleeding, the differences between military and civilian trauma care, the necessity of blood availability, and the significance of preparation and teamwork in trauma scenarios. Dr. Holcomb emphasizes the historical context of DCR and the need for young surgeons to be mentally prepared for the challenges they will face in combat situations.

Literature Mentioned:
Hypotensive Resuscitation Strategy Reduces Transfusion Requirements and Severe Postoperative Coagulopathy in Trauma Patients With Hemorrhagic Shock: Preliminary Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial
JTS CPG: Damage Control Resuscitation
JTS CPG: Damage Control Resuscitation in Prolonged Field Care
JTS CPG: Prehospital Blood Transfusion
ACS M Curriculum: DCR Module
ACS M Curriculum: Fresh Whole Blood Module

Keywords: Damage Control Resuscitation, Military Trauma Care, Blood Products, Trauma Surgery, Combat Casualties, Hypotensive Resuscitation, Surgical Preparation, Team Training, Trauma Management, Emergency Medicine