CONSIDERATIONS  IN  COMBINED  INJURY

Trauma teams can be significantly impacted by a bioincident in the field. As a result, trauma teams may face an increased workload as they would also be responsible for diagnosing and treating infected personnel. This can lead to an overwhelmed medical system with limited resources and personnel, leading to increased mortality and morbidity. In addition, trauma teams may also be at risk of infection themselves if appropriate personal protective equipment is not used or if proper decontamination procedures are not followed.

Finally, the impact of a biological attack on trauma teams may extend beyond the immediate physical consequences. The psychological impact of treating infected personnel in a high-stress environment can lead to long-term mental health consequences, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Therefore, it is essential that military personnel receive adequate training and support to manage the potential physical and psychological consequences of a bioincident in the field. Consider proactive cross training of trauma teams to preserve capabilities and capacity.