Experience with Trauma Management during the Iraq-Iran War

Experience with healthcare management under extreme conditions during the Iraq-imposed war are presented in this paper. Progress and success in the field of “Tactical Combat Casualty Care” included scientific and managerial measures as well as the dedication and active presence of diligent specialists and healthcare personnel during the war. Herein, a review of our experience with our trauma system during the war is presented.

Related and relevant literature on combat trauma management during the war are reviewed. Evidence-based experiences of experts and relevant managerial activists are documented.

Main strategies and basic management plans for our trauma system during 8 years of war is based on the following: 1. Systematic order and organization 2. Provision for the care of the injured and acquisition of all needed services, including the help of volunteers at all levels, from rescuers to nurses and specialist physicians 3. Integrating military and civil management of war injuries 4. Planning for control of immediate necessities and prediction to prepare for the near future, 5. Purposeful provision and distribution of needed equipment, drugs and supplies, 6. Obligation to adopt scientific and evidence-based guidelines on the latest scientific evidence. 7. Designing a comprehensive, responsive, and flexible trauma system with regard to different conditions (relief, transfer, emergency, triage, treatment, rehabilitation, follow-up). 8. Designing and educating basic duties and responsibilities of personnel at different levels 9. Regular and systematic monitoring and summing-up previous experience to re-design and improve the structure and available manpower 10. Conducting scientific conferences to present the experience gained

Healthcare management during the Iraq-imposed war showed the effectiveness of “Tactical Combat Casualty Care” and managerial measures and dedication and active presence of diligent specialists and healthcare personnel during the Iraq-Iran war.