Assessment and training of Ukrainian trauma and combat casualty care via international symposia.

Abstract

The Russian Federation (RF) full invasion of Ukraine (UA) in 2022 presents a unique opportunity to understand how large-scale combat operations (LSCOs) strain and destabilize healthcare and trauma system infrastructure. To share clinical knowledge gained in combat casualty care and learn from the UA LSCO experience, nine symposia were held from June 2023 to June 2024, gathering international experts with key leaders and medical personnel from UA. This effort was supported by the United States Department of Defense Combat Casualty Research Program (DoD CCCRP) in accordance with the US Congressional direction to establish military medical partnerships with the UA specified the National Defense Authorization Acts of 2023 and 2024. The DoD CCCRP seeks to develop requirements driven knowledge and material solutions for the care of combat-related traumatic injury during current and future conflicts. The symposia summarized herein consisted of 40- to 60-person discussions focused on key topics of interest, including trauma system and registries, hemostatic resuscitation, evacuation, telemedicine, brain health, tourniquet use, rehabilitation, and research and logistical needs. Personal relationships were formed and feedback from the symposia have enabled evidence-based changes to United States and North Atlantic Treaty Organization trauma care guidelines and similarly have benefited our UA colleagues.