Critical care management in military warfare and blast-induced neurotrauma: Lessons from the Thai–Cambodian border conflict
Critical care in military warfare and blast neurotrauma
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54205/ccc.v34.278869Keywords:
Military medicine, Critical care, Blast-induced neurotrauma, Combat casualty management, Trauma triage, Battlefield medicine, Thailand–Cambodia border conflictAbstract
Background: To describe the organization, delivery, and outcomes of critical care for combat casualties and blast-induced neurotrauma during active hostilities along the Thai–Cambodian border, with emphasis on operational strategies applicable to high-risk environments.
Method: This retrospective observational operational report reviews casualty management at Prasat Field Hospital between 24 July and 1 August 2025. Clinical data were obtained from hospital records, ICU logs, surgical reports, and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) documentation. All military and civilian casualties presenting alive during the study period were included.
Result: A total of 144 casualties were treated, including 32 patients requiring intensive care. Thirteen patients underwent emergent surgical intervention for severe injuries, including intracranial hemorrhage, major vascular trauma, airway disruption, and complex polytrauma. Integrated damage-control surgery, forward critical care capability, and coordinated MEDEVAC resulted in zero in-hospital mortality among patients who reached definitive care.
Conclusion: Effective critical care in conflict settings depends on forward deployment of ICU capability, structured triage, multidisciplinary coordination, and rapid evacuation pathways. Blast-induced neurotrauma requires early recognition, prevention of secondary injury, and sustained neurocritical care. Experience from the Thai–Cambodian border conflict highlights the evolving role of field hospitals as integrated trauma–critical care centers in modern warfare.
Trial registration: TCTR20240828001
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