• 1) Our primary mission remains the same. We must maintain the ability to provide damage control resuscitation and surgery in support of combat operations.
• 2) Prevention of disease transmission to medical personnel is a mission critical consideration for austere teams as there is generally very limited skill redundancy.
• 3) Primary capability limitations may include manpower, oxygen supply, ventilators, medications, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• 4) Care of the critically ill COVID-19 patient is primarily supportive medical care plus appropriate disease transmission precautions.
• 5) Use of telemedicine to push critical care expertise as far forward as possible should be part of the operational plan.