Do modern conflicts create different medical needs?

PURPOSES

This study involved analysis of (a) type of injuries and medical services used by military casualties in 3 conflicts and (b) medical needs of military and civilian casualties from the 2006 conflict.

BASIC PROCEDURES

Military casualties from 3 conflicts and military and civilian casualties from the 2006 conflict were analyzed. Casualties were compared in relation to type of injury, length of stay (LOS), and operating room use (ORU).

MAIN FINDINGS

Hospital LOS of soldiers in many departments decreased while increasing in intensive care unit (ICU). Type of injuries sustained by civilians and military casualties differed significantly. More civilian casualties required admission to ICU. Civilian ORU was higher for orthopedic and otolaryngological procedures.

PRINCIPAL CONCLUSIONS

Civilians are less well protected during military conflicts, therefore, more susceptible to certain kind of injuries. Civilian and military casualties during conflicts have different medical needs. Civilians have higher morbidity than soldiers, which result in an increased need for treatment in ICU.