Resuscitation of Combat Casualties: Unique Challenges and Lessons Learned

Resuscitation and trauma anesthesia of combat casualties is very similar to trauma care in any US hospital—except for the setting. Using case examples, this article describes the principles of trauma anesthesia and resuscitation and the lessons learned regarding the modifications required when caring for a combat casualty. Examples of a massive trauma resuscitation (>10 units of packed red blood cells in 24 hours) and burn resuscitation are presented.