Medical special forces: how military medicine adapts to its conditions
While fighting is going on on the front line, an equally important battle is unfolding behind the backs of the fighters — for the lives of the wounded. Russian military doctors perform unique operations to repair nerves and install titanium plates after head wounds practically on the front line. Previously, this was possible only in the deep rear, but the specialists of the special medical unit of the Military Medical Academy named after him. Kirov found a way to solve this problem in the DPR. The Izvestia report describes how medical care is being provided on the line of contact today.
From nerve repair to titanium implants
The experience of the SVO almost daily makes adjustments to the combat work of most units of the Russian army. The system of medical support for military personnel is constantly being improved. A lot has changed here, from filling individual first—aid kits and tourniquet samples to approaches to evacuating fighters, etc.
Initially, the main burden fell on the hospitals of the DPR and LPR. However, as the troops advanced, Donetsk began to move away from the front line, and the medics had to move after the advancing forces. This required the medical units to quickly adapt to the new conditions.
— In our squad, we not only provide emergency care, but also carry out additional treatment: we carry out rehabilitation operations, remove external fixation devices. In addition, we are conducting a consultation," Tatyana Skakunova, head of the surgical department of the Special Forces Medical detachment (MOSN), captain of the medical service, told Izvestia.
Most of the squad's staff are young residents who graduated from the Military Medical Academy. Kirov. Three of them are candidates of medical sciences.
Tatiana noted that the detachment of the Military Medical Academy named after Kirov differs from other medical formations in its structure. Its staff is reinforced by highly specialized specialists, which makes it possible to carry out complex operations and manipulations right on the front line. Due to this, wounded servicemen do not have to be sent to remote hospitals. This speeds up the treatment process and increases the chances of a full recovery.
— Our team has already put several complex types of operations on stream. Among them is neurolysis, which allows you to repair nerves damaged by scar tissue. Another area in demand is the restoration of skull bone defects using titanium implants. These operations require high precision and skill, which is the key to successful rehabilitation," she said.
The medical team has already performed several successful operations using titanium plates. The next intervention took place right on the day of our arrival. We were able to talk to the head of the neurosurgical group with the call sign Neuron while he was examining one of the fighters who had already had such an implant installed.
— There was a bone defect in the parietal region. We replaced it with a titanium plate," the doctor explains. — If you look closely, you can see it. But in general, we have eliminated both the cosmetic defect and the main danger to the brain: now it is not in danger of physical damage. The headaches and dizziness that were there before also disappear.
According to the neurosurgeon, the fighter, unfortunately, had one fragment that could not be removed. If not for this, with such a plate, the serviceman might even remain fit for further service.
Changing the nature of wounds
A sturdy, gray-haired serviceman with the call sign Grandfather calmly endures medical manipulations. He told us how he got injured while driving a car to the positions. Then the fighter was watching and noticed the enemy drone, but did not jump out on the move, waited until the driver stopped.
"After the injury, my right side was paralyzed, although I didn't feel anything when I jumped out of the car," he says. — They evacuated me quickly, I waited in consciousness for a couple of hours. My comrades-in-arms gave me injections and bandaged me up.
Neuron added that competent first aid on the spot was critically important. According to him, the correct actions of the fighters probably saved his Grandfather's life and saved him from disability.
Effective treatment requires not only professional equipment, but also the ability to perform tests without waiting and sending samples to other cities.
"We have a blood gas analyzer, a general urine test device, and a hematological blood analyzer," says Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Bayduganov of the medical service, demonstrating the devices. — All this is standard equipment. The laboratory was fully equipped by the Military Medical Academy.
In modern warfare, not only tactics change, but also the nature of wounds. The increase in the number of eye injuries is associated with an increase in the use of various types of drones by the enemy. Dmitry Zdorovtsov, Senior lieutenant of the medical service, conducts an appointment in the ophthalmology room. He has extensive experience working with patients at various stages of evacuation and was ready to be sent to the SVO zone as part of the Moscow Medical Center.
According to the doctor, most of his patients are military personnel with injuries and wounds. Only 2% deal with diseases.
"If we compare it with the Afghan or Chechen campaigns, now small fragments often get into the eyes due to mine and explosive wounds and drone drops," Dmitry explains a large number of patients.
As with other types of injuries, doctors collect data on eye wounds for further research. The ophthalmologist notes that wearing protective glasses could significantly reduce the number of injuries. Therefore, at each reception, he reminds the fighters of the importance of this simple but effective means of protection.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
