Prevention of COVID-19 transmission to medical personnel is mission critical to preserve wartime, trauma care capability
Closely manage & conserve equipment & supplies including oxygen, ventilators, sedation medications, & personal protective equipment.
Expect reduction in supply lines with limited resupply or delivery.
Expect delayed medical evacuation due to decreased transport availability, airspace restrictions, & reduced military asset access.
Initially plan for 1- 3 critically ill COVID-19 patients at each austere location.
Quarantine is a unit/command function, requiring medical support, that separates and restricts movement of those unknowingly exposed to a contagious disease without symptoms.
Isolation is medical function, requiring command support, separating those with contagious disease symptoms from people who are not sick.
Command Considerations
Patient Under Investigation (PUI) require medical isolation due to signs/symptoms of COVID-19 & history of potential exposure.
Communicate PUI’s to medical and operational leadership on identification & their potential close contacts.
Communicate identified PUI’s and close contacts via 5Ws format to command surgeon (or designee), following unit notification & theater surveillance policies.
Medical Considerations
Pre-designate primary COVID provider to perform all COVID-19 evaluations and coordinate procedures to limit medical personnel exposure, retaining combat casualty care effectiveness.
Designation should balance provider skills and experience with potential impact on medical support for combat operations.
Designated provider may not be the most experienced and should consult with team as needed for management, procedures, and nursing care.
A pandemic may require establishment of medical rules of engagement that discourage initiation of CPR due to aerosolization and high risk of cross-contamination.Begin early evacuation coordination for high risk patients.