Psychological first aid in operation for military healthcare providers : a study on pre-deployment training.

INTRODUCTION: During operational missions, while the management of physical injuries in the field remains the priority, the identification of operational incapacity of psychological origin is necessary as it is equally crucial for the safety of the individual, the group and the mission. The French Military Health Service has developed a Psychological First Aid Training in Operation (PFATO) course based on relational simulations, for military service members. The aim is to identify the early signs of psychological distress in a comrade and to adopt an adapted and protective attitude. PFATO training is also offered to healthcare providers. METHODS: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study using a self-administered online questionnaire which was sent after deployment to all physicians or nurses trained in PFATO between July 2019 and July 2021 (n=80). The main objective of our work was to evaluate the relevance of this awareness training among physicians and nurses and to identify specific complementary expectations in operational psychiatry for this population. RESULTS: We obtained a response rate of 55%. Significantly, 21.62% of participants used PFATO during their last deployment and another 20% observed a team member using PFATO. The circumstances of use as reported by participants included acute stress related to combat, conflict with hierarchy or comrades, and suicidal crisis. Among those who used PFATO, the training helped 87.5% of them to identify signs of psychological distress and 100% of them to assist combatants . All respondents stressed the added value of practical simulations during PFATO education. Moreover, this study also makes it possible to identify adaptations needed to optimize this module for healthcare providers. CONCLUSION: The results suggest the value for healthcare provider of training in first-response psychological care using relational simulation based on the model of raising awareness about PFATO.

REBOA Use in a Medicalized Prehospital Setting Proposal for a First Protocol Based on the Delphi Method.

BACKGROUND: The resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) technique controls abdominal, pelvic, junctional, and postpartum hemorrhage via aortic endoclamping. There are no protocols or clear indications guiding REBOA use in a two-tiered prehospital emergency medical system, as found in France. We conducted a Delphi study to clarify the indications and contraindications for REBOA application in such a system. METHODS: We performed a Delphi study in three rounds with an international group of doctors with REBOA expertise and clinical experience (members of the EndoVascular and Trauma Management Society). Based on the consensus answers, complemented by existing data in the literature, we developed a protocol for REBOA use in a medicalized prehospital setting. RESULTS: We identified 10 questions that were not answered in the literature and submitted them to 21 experts. Over three rounds, consensus was reached on these 10 questions. The most important ones were "In your opinion, in a hemorrhagic patient, vascularly well-filled and whose hemodynamics remain unstable with 3mg/h of norepinephrine, should we inflate a REBOA to prevent the patients death and get them to the operating room alive?" and "In the case of REBOA placement (zone I) in the prehospital setting, would you agree that the maximum occlusion duration is approximately 30 minutes, with a partial or intermittent occlusion when possible?" CONCLUSION: We propose a protocol for REBOA use in a medicalized prehospital setting. This protocol clarifies that hemorrhagic shock, despite a noradrenaline (also known as norepinephrine) dose of 0.6µg/kg/min, is considered too serious for the patient to be transported to the trauma center without REBOA. Moreover, it clarifies that a zone 1 REBOA should be inflated for maximum 30 minutes and with a partial occlusion strategy, if possible. This protocol should be updated based on feedback following the establishment of prehospital REBOA and large randomized studies.

Association between prehospital ROX index with 30-day mortality among septic shock.

PURPOSE: Respiratory dysfunction is one of the most frequent symptoms observed during sepsis reflecting hypoxemia and/or acidosis that may be assessed by the ROX index (ratio of oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry/fraction of inspired oxygen to respiratory rate). This study aimed to describe the relationship between the prehospital ROX index and 30-day mortality rate among septic shock patients cared for in the prehospital setting by a mobile intensive care unit (MICU). METHODS: From May 2016 to December 2021, 530 septic shock patients cared for by a prehospital MICU were retrospectively analysed. Initial ROX index value was calculated at the first contact with MICU. A Cox regression analysis after propensity score matching was performed to assess the relationship between 30-day mortality rate and a ROX index ≤ 10. RESULTS: Pulmonary, digestive and urinary sepsis were suspected among 43%, 25% and 17% patients, respectively. The 30-day overall mortality reached 31%. Cox regression analysis showed a significant association between 30-day mortality and a ROX index ≤ 10: adjusted hazard ratio of 1.54 [1.08-2.31], p < 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: During the prehospital stage of septic shock patients cared for by a MICU, ROX index is significantly associated with 30-day mortality. A prehospital ROX ≤ 10 value is associated with a 1.5-fold 30-day mortality rate increase. Prospective studies are needed to confirm the ability of prehospital ROX to predict sepsis outcome since the prehospital setting.

Analysis during chest compressions in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients, a cross/sectional study: The DEFI 2022 study.

AIMS: During out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), an automatic external defibrillator (AED) analyzes the cardiac rhythm every two minutes; however, 80% of refibrillations occur within the first minute post-shock. We have implemented an algorithm for Analyzing cardiac rhythm While performing chest Compression (AWC). When AWC detects a shockable rhythm, it shortens the time between analyses to one minute. We investigated the effect of AWC on cardiopulmonary resuscitation quality. METHOD: In this cross-sectional study, we compared patients treated in 2022 with AWC, to a historical cohort from 2017. Inclusion criteria were OHCA patients with a shockable rhythm at the first analysis. Primary endpoint was the chest compression fraction (CCF). Secondary endpoints were cardiac rhythm evolution and survival, including survival analysis of non-prespecified subgroups. RESULTS: In 2017 and 2022, 355 and 377 OHCAs met the inclusion criteria, from which we analyzed the 285 first consecutive cases in each cohort. CCF increased in 2022 compared to 2017 (77% [72-80] vs 72% [67-76]; P < 0.001) and VF recurrences were shocked more promptly (53 s [32-69] vs 117 s [90-132]). Survival did not differ between 2017 and 2022 (adjusted hazard-ratio 0.96 [95% CI, 0.78-1.18]), but was higher in 2022 within the sub-group of OHCAs that occurred in a public place and within a short time from call to AED switch-on (adjusted hazard ratio 0.85[0.76-0.96]). CONCLUSIONS: OHCA patients treated with AWC had higher CCF, shorter time spent in ventricular fibrillation, but no survival difference, except for OHCA that occurred in public places with short intervention time.

Irregular warfare must combine good medicine, with both good tactics and good strategies: Position paper by the French Special Operations Forces Medical Command.

INTRODUCTION: Military operations are no longer limited to the application of counterterrorism and counterinsurgency strategies; they are now characterized by hybrid, irregular, and unconventional features. While some authors have indicated the need for medical support to adapt to these new modes of military operations, they have focused mainly on the tactical level of care on the battlefield. As Sun Tzu states, "Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat," further proposals are still needed on the application of both medical tactics and medical strategies in irregular warfare. METHODS: Medical experts from the French Special Operations Forces (SOF) Medical Command have identified specific medical challenges that special operations face in the context of the current transformation of armed confrontations into irregular warfare. RESULTS: This position paper presents original tactical medical proposals for improving medical support in irregular warfare, ranging from the definition of a Primary-Alternate-Contingency-Emergency medical plan to the promotion of telemedical support. Original strategic medical proposals have highlighted the importance of recognizing medical issues in irregular warfare, including the medical actions carried out through and with local partners and the multiple approaches to countering medical threats. CONCLUSION: The SOF medical community must be closely involved with and facilitate the responses to the shift to irregular warfare. International collaboration and interoperability are more necessary than ever, as they will enable a more effective combination of good medicine with both good tactics and good strategies. These perspectives can also be extended to improve medical care in the conventional armed forces and austere civilian settings. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic/Care Management; Level V.

Performance of far forward iceless blood storage containers in controlled cold environments.

BACKGROUND: The Golden Hour Box (GHB), an iceless blood container designed for transfusion closest to the point of injury, is used by military medical teams in remote damage control resuscitation. While its performance is well-established in hot environments, it remains underexplored in cold conditions, a significant consideration in emerging global conflict zones. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Four GHBs were preconditioned at +4°C or +18°C for 8 h and subsequently exposed to controlled laboratory simulated temperatures of -5, -15, and -25°C for 100 h. The study focused on their capability to maintain an internal temperature between +2 and +6°C, the recommended range for red blood cells unit storage and transport, using calibrated sensors for precise monitoring. RESULTS: When exposed to negative Celsius temperatures, GHBs showed varied performance depending on preconditioning temperatures. When preconditioned at +4°C, GHBs maintained an internal temperature within the target range (+2 to +6°C) for 100 h at -5°C, 52 ± 1 h at -15°C, and 29 ± 4 h at -25°C. In contrast, the internal temperature of GHBs preconditioned at +18°C exceeded this range in less than 30 min, then dropped below 2°C more rapidly than those preconditioned at +4°C, occurring within 20 ± 2 h at -15 and 13 ± 1 h at -25°C. CONCLUSION: The GHB, when properly preconditioned, effectively maintains internal temperatures suitable for blood product transport in extreme cold. Future research, including analyses of blood performances, is still needed to validate these results in more realistic operational conditions for use in cold environments.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SHOCK INDEX, MODIFIED SHOCK INDEX, AND AGE SHOCK INDEX AND 28-DAY MORTALITY AMONG PATIENTS WITH PREHOSPITAL SEPTIC SHOCK.

BACKGROUND: A relative hypovolemia occurs during septic shock (SS); the early phase is clinically reflected by tachycardia and low blood pressure. In the prehospital setting, simple objective tools to assess hypovolemia severity are needed to optimize triaging. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between shock index (SI), diastolic SI (DSI), modified SI (MSI), and age SI (ASI) and 28-day mortality of patients with SS initially cared for in a prehospital setting of a mobile intensive care unit (MICU). METHODS: From April 6, 2016 through December 31, 2021, 530 patients with SS cared for at a prehospital MICU were analyzed retrospectively. Initial SI, MSI, DSI, and ASI values, that is, first measurement after MICU arrival to the scene were calculated. A propensity score analysis with inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) method was used to assess the relationship between SI, DSI, MSI, and ASI and 28-day mortality. RESULTS: SS resulted mainly from pulmonary, digestive, and urinary infections in 44%, 25%, and 17% of patients. The 28-day overall mortality was 31%. IPTW propensity score analysis indicated a significant relationship between 28-day mortality and SI (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.13; 95% CI 1.01-1.26; p = 0.04), DSI (aOR 1.16; 95% CI 1.06-1.34; p = 0.03), MSI (aOR 1.03; 95% CI 1.01-1.17; p = 0.03), and ASI (aOR 3.62; 95% CI 2.63-5.38; p < 10-6). CONCLUSIONS: SI, DSI, MSI, and ASI were significantly associated with 28-day mortality among patients with SS cared for at a prehospital MICU. Further studies are needed to confirm the usefulness of SI and SI derivates for prehospital SS optimal triaging.

Psychological, cognitive, and physiological impact of hazards casualties' trainings on first responders: the example of a chemical and radiological training. An exploratory study.

Background: First responders are among the first to respond to hazards casualties. They might operate in volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) environments. While they have underlined the need to improve their knowledge and training to face these environments, there are few data regarding the stress induced by these trainings. Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) hazards casualties' trainings seem to be a good model of "in vivo" stress. First responders must operate in a hostile and encountered environment with a CBRN protective equipment that places demand on their psychological, cognitive, and physiological capacities. Current research recognizes that the activity of the parasympathetic system (PSS) can be used as an objective marker of stress adaptation, measured as heart rate variability (HRV). Objectives: To compare between baseline and simulation the evolution of the parasympathetic activity (primary outcome), anxiety, emotions, cognitive load, and body posture awareness (secondary outcomes). Methods: A total of 28 first responders attended to three simulated scenarios requiring CBRN management of casualties. One day before simulation, we collected HRV data (baseline). The simulations' day (pre-, post-simulation) we collected anxiety score (STAI-Y B), emotions (SPANE), cognitive load (NASA TLX), body posture awareness (PAS) and HRV. The morning after we collected the PAS score (recovery). We compare data' evolution between different times of the simulation. Results: (i) A high level of anxiety at baseline [Median 51 (46; 56)] which decreased between pre- and post-simulation (p = 0.04; F = 2.93); (ii) a post-simulation decrease in negative feelings (p = 0.03); (iii) a decrease in body awareness after simulation which returned to the initial level at recovery (p = 0.03; F = 3.48); (iv) a decrease in mean RR between baseline, pre- and post-simulation (p = 0.009; F = 5.11). There were no significant difference between times on others analysis of HRV. Conclusion: Prior to simulation, participants experienced anticipatory anxiety. Simulations training practiced regularly could be one way to combat anticipatory anxiety.

The prehospital NEW score to assess septic shock in-hospital, 30-day and 90-day mortality.

BACKGROUND: The early identification of sepsis presenting a high risk of deterioration is a daily challenge to optimise patient pathway. This is all the most crucial in the prehospital setting to optimize triage and admission into the appropriate unit: emergency department (ED) or intensive care unit (ICU). We report the association between the prehospital National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS-2) and in-hospital, 30 and 90-day mortality of SS patients cared for in the pre-hospital setting by a mobile ICU (MICU). METHODS: Septic shock (SS) patients cared for by a MICU between 2016, April 6th and 2021 December 31st were included in this retrospective cohort study. The NEWS-2 is based on 6 physiological variables (blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, oxygen saturation prior oxygen supplementation, and level of consciousness) and ranges from 0 to 20. The Inverse Probability Treatment Weighting (IPTW) propensity method was applied to assess the association with in-hospital, 30 and 90-day mortality. A NEWS-2 ≥ 7 threshold was chosen for increased clinical deterioration risk definition and usefulness in clinical practice based on previous reports. RESULTS: Data from 530 SS patients requiring MICU intervention in the pre-hospital setting were analysed. The mean age was 69 ± 15 years and presumed origin of sepsis was pulmonary (43%), digestive (25%) or urinary (17%) infection. In-hospital mortality rate was 33%, 30 and 90-day mortality were respectively 31% and 35%. A prehospital NEWS-2 ≥ 7 is associated with an increase in-hospital, 30 and 90-day mortality with respective RRa = 2.34 [1.39-3.95], 2.08 [1.33-3.25] and 2.22 [1.38-3.59]. Calibration statistic values for in-hospital mortality, 30-day and 90-day mortality were 0.54; 0.55 and 0.53 respectively. CONCLUSION: A prehospital NEWS-2 ≥ 7 is associated with an increase in in-hospital, 30 and 90-day mortality of septic shock patients cared for by a MICU in the prehospital setting. Prospective studies are needed to confirm the usefulness of NEWS-2 to improve the prehospital triage and orientation to the adequate facility of sepsis.

FIRECARE: An Evidence-Based Prevention Program to Reduce Burnout among Prehospital Caregivers: Benefits of a Combined Mindfulness, Heart Coherence Training, and Positive Psychology Intervention.

BACKGROUND: Burnout among emergency health care professionals is well-described, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prevention interventions, such as mindfulness, focus on the management of stress. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of the FIRECARE program (a mindfulness intervention, supplemented by heart coherence training and positive psychology workshops) on burnout, secondary stress, compassion fatigue, and mindfulness among advanced life support ambulance staff of the Paris Fire Brigade. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used a non-randomized, two-group quasi-experimental study design with a waitlist control and before-and-after measurements in each group. The intervention consisted of six, once-weekly, 2.5-h sessions that included individual daily meditation and cardiac coherence practice. The study compared intervention and waitlist control groups, and investigated baseline, post-program, and 3-month follow-up change on burnout (measuring using the ProQOL-5 scale) and mindfulness (measuring using the FMI scores). Baseline burnout (measured using the ProQOL-5) was evaluated and used in the analysis. RESULTS: Seventy-four 74 participants volunteered to participate; 66 were included in the final analysis. Of these, 60% were classified as suffering from moderate burnout, the 'burnout cluster'. A comparison of intervention and waitlist control groups found a decrease in the burnout score in the burnout cluster (p = 0.0003; partial eta squared = 0.18). However, while secondary stress fell among the burnout cluster, it was only for participants in the intervention group; scores increased for those in the waitlist group (p = 0.003; partial eta squared = 0.12). The pre-post-intervention analysis of both groups also showed that burnout fell in the burnout cluster (p = 0.006; partial eta squared = 0.11). At 3-month follow-up, the burnout score was significantly reduced in the intervention group (p = 0.02; partial eta squared = 0.07), and both the acceptance (p = 0.007) and mindfulness scores (p = 0.05; partial eta squared = 0.05) were increased in the baseline burnout cluster. CONCLUSION: FIRECARE may be a useful approach to preventing and reducing burnout among prehospital caregivers.

Influence of antibiotic therapy with hemodynamic optimization on 30-day mortality among septic shock patients cared for in the prehospital setting.

BACKGROUND: In order to reduce septic shock mortality, international guidelines recommend early treatment implementation, antibiotic therapy (ABT) and hemodynamic optimisation, within 1-h. This retrospective multicentric study aims to investigate the relationship between prehospital ABT delivered within 1st hour and mean blood pressure (MAP) ≥ 65 mmHg at the end of the prehospital stage, and 30-day mortality among patients with septic shock. METHODS: From May 2016 to December 2021, patients with septic shock requiring pre-hospital Mobile Intensive Care Unit intervention (MICU) were retrospectively analysed. To assess the relationship between 30-day mortality and prehospital ABT delivered within 1st hour and/or MAP ≥ 65 mmHg at the end of the prehospital stage, Inverse Probability Treatment Weighting (IPTW) propensity score method was performed. RESULTS: Among the 530 patients included, 341 were male gender (64%) with a mean age of 69 ± 15 years. One-hundred and thirty-two patients (25%) patients received prehospital ABT, among which 98 patients (74%) were treated with 3rd generation cephalosporin. Suspected pulmonary, urinary and digestive infections were the cause of sepsis in respectively 43%, 25% and 17%. The 30-day overall mortality was 31%. A significant association was observed between 30-day mortality rate and (i) ABT administration within the first hour: RRa = 0.14 [0.04-0.55], (ii) ABT administration within the first hour associated with a MAP ≥ 65 mmHg: RRa = 0.08 [0.02-0.37] and (iii) ABT administration within the first hour in the prehospital setting associated with a MAP < 65 mmHg at the end of the prehospital stage: RRa = 0.75 [0.45-0.85]. Patients who received prehospital ABT after the first hour have also a 30-day mortality rate decrease: RRa = 0.87 [0.57-0.99], whereas patients who did not received ABT had an increased 30-day mortality rate: RRa = 2.36 [1.89-2.95]. CONCLUSION: In this study, we showed that pre-hospital ABT within the first hour and MAP≥65 mmHg at the end of prehospital stage are both associated with 30-day mortality decrease among patients suffering from septic shock cared for by a MICU. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these preliminary results.

Improving EMS response times for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in urban areas using drone-like vertical take-off and landing air ambulances: An international, simulation-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Advances in vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) technologies may enable drone-like crewed air ambulances to rapidly respond to out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in urban areas. We estimated the impact of incorporating VTOL air ambulances on OHCA response intervals in two large urban centres in France and Canada. METHODS: We included adult OHCAs occurring between Jan. 2017-Dec. 2018 within Greater Paris in France and Metro Vancouver in Canada. Both regions utilize tiered OHCA response with basic (BLS)- and advanced life support (ALS)-capable units. We simulated incorporating 1-2 ALS-capable VTOL air ambulances dedicated to OHCA response in each study region, and computed time intervals from call reception by emergency medical services (EMS) to arrival of the: (1) first ALS unit ("call-to-ALS arrival interval"); and (2) first EMS unit ("call-to-first EMS arrival interval"). RESULTS: There were 6,217 OHCAs included during the study period (3,760 in Greater Paris and 2,457 in Metro Vancouver). Historical median call-to-ALS arrival intervals were 21 min [IQR 16-29] in Greater Paris and 12 min [IQR 9-17] in Metro Vancouver, while median call-to-first EMS arrival intervals were 11 min [IQR 8-14] and 7 min [IQR 5-8] respectively. Incorporating 1-2 VTOL air ambulances improved median call-to-ALS arrival intervals to 7-9 min and call-to-first EMS arrival intervals to 6-8 min in both study regions (all P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: VTOL air ambulances dedicated to OHCA response may improve EMS response intervals, with substantial improvements in ALS response metrics.

Trends in survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest with a shockable rhythm and its association with bystander resuscitation: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: Over 300 000 cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCAs) occur each year in the USA and Europe. Despite decades of investment and research, survival remains disappointingly low. We report the trends in survival after a ventricular fibrillation/pulseless ventricular tachycardia OHCA, over a 13-year period, in a French urban region, and describe the simultaneous evolution of the rescue system. METHODS: We investigated four 18-month periods between 2005 and 2018. The first period was considered baseline and included patients from the randomised controlled trial 'DEFI 2005'. The three following periods were based on the Paris Sudden Death Expertise Center Registry (France). Inclusion criteria were non-traumatic cardiac arrests treated with at least one external electric shock with an automated external defibrillator from the basic life support team and resuscitated by a physician-staffed ALS team. Primary outcome was survival at hospital discharge with a good neurological outcome. RESULTS: Of 21 781 patients under consideration, 3476 (16%) met the inclusion criteria. Over all study periods, survival at hospital discharge increased from 12% in 2005 to 25% in 2018 (p<0.001), and return of spontaneous circulation at hospital admission increased from 43% to 58% (p=0.004).Lay-rescuer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and telephone CPR (T-CPR) rates increased significantly, but public defibrillator use remained limited. CONCLUSION: In a two-tiered rescue system, survival from OHCA at hospital discharge doubled over a 13-year study period. Concomitantly, the system implemented an OHCA patient registry and increased T-CPR frequency, despite a consistently low rate of public defibrillator use.

Mobile blood depots in ground ambulances in compliance with French legislation: A feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: Prehospital transfusion is a way of improving the management of hemorrhagic shock. In France, prehospital transfusion is struggling to develop, both because of logistical difficulties and particularly restrictive legislation. To comply with this, we propose to store the blood products (BPs) in ground ambulances with refrigerated boxes allowing remote continuous monitoring of storage conditions, called "NelumBox" (Tec4med Lifescience GmbH). To open them, the ambulance's team needs a code that is only given by the Transfusion Center if the request meets all required regulatory criteria. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective simulation-based feasibility study using dummy BPs. Two ambulances were equipped. Simulations were triggered unexpectedly, including during on-call hours. The ability to quickly access the BPs was the main judgment criterion. The quality of hemovigilance during these simulations was also examined. RESULTS: Twenty-two simulations were performed. The ambulance's team was able to access the BPs in 100% of cases. The average waiting time for receiving the unlocking code was 5 min 27 s (SD = 2 min 12 s, MAX = 12 min 00 s). The transfusion traceability was compliant with regulations in 100% of cases. The transfusion center was able to remotely monitor BPs storage conditions for the entire duration of their stockage in the NelumBox. DISCUSSION: The present procedure is efficient, repeatable, and fast. It guarantees a strict transfusion safety without slowdown a severe trauma management, while complying with French regulations.

Deployment of the French Civil Protection Field Hospital (ESCRIM) in Gölbasi, Turkey after the February 2023 Earthquake: Lessons Learned.

Following the two earthquakes that occurred in Turkey on February 6, 2023 with magnitudes of 7.8 and 7.5, causing over 50,000 deaths and 100,000 injuries, France proposed to deploy, via the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism (EUCPM), the French Civil Protection Field Hospital (ESCRIM [Élément de Sécurité Civile Rapide d'Intervention Médicale]): the French World Health Organization (WHO)-classified Emergency Medical Team (EMT) Level 2 (EMT2).After the acceptance from Turkey on February 8, a disaster assessment team (DAT) was sent on February 10, 2023. It was decided, with local health authorities (LHA), to set up the field hospital in Gölbasi, Adiyaman Province where the State Hospital was closed due to a structural risk.Arriving in Gölbasi on February 13 at 2:00am in -12°C (10°F) temperatures, the detachment had no choice but to begin setting up the base of operation (BoO). At dawn, the cold was so intense that one doctor suffered from frostbite. Once the BoO was installed, the team set up the hospital tents. From 11:00am, the sun melted the snow and the ground became very muddy. The objective being to open the hospital as soon as possible, installation of the hospital continued, and it opened on February 14 at 12:00pm/noon, less than 36 hours after on-site arrival.This article describes the mechanics of setting up an EMT-2 in a cold climate, the many problems encountered, and the solutions imagined and proposed.

Use of Intranasal Analgesia in French Armed Forces: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

BACKGROUND: Pain management is essential in military medicine, particularly in Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) during deployments in remote and austere settings. The few previously published studies on intranasal analgesia (INA) focused only on the efficacy and onset of action of the medications used (ketamine, sufentanil, and fentanyl). Side-effects were rarely reported. The aim of our study was to evaluate the use of intranasal analgesia by French military physicians. METHODS: We carried out a multicentric survey between 15 January and 14 April 2020. The survey population included all French military physicians in primary-care centers (n = 727) or emergency departments (n = 55) regardless of being stationed in mainland France or French overseas departments and territories. RESULTS: We collected 259 responses (33% responsiveness rate), of which 201 (77.6%) physicians reported being familiar with INA. However, regarding its use, of the 256 physicians with completed surveys, only 47 (18.3%) had already administered it. Emergency medicine physicians supporting highly operational units (e.g., Special Forces) were more familiar with this route of administration and used it more frequently. Ketamine was the most common medication used (n = 32; 57.1%). Finally, 234 (90%) respondents expressed an interest in further education on INA. CONCLUSION: Although a majority of French military physicians who replied to the survey were familiar with INA, few used it in practice. This route of administration seems to be a promising medication for remote and austere environments. Specific training should, therefore, be recommended to spread and standardize its use.

Profile of injuries in recent warfare.

BACKGROUND: The epidemiology of French military severe trauma patients injured during recent military operations remains poorly described, even if French operations, casualties sustained, and care rendered in a different trauma system are distinct from others. This study aimed at describing the characteristics of these patients upon arrival at hospital in France and during hospital stay. METHODS: This 5-year retrospective cohort study included all French military servicemen injured during military operations and admitted to the intensive care unit. Data on the characteristics upon arrival at the Percy hospital in France and during hospital stay were obtained from a national civilian trauma registry. RESULTS: Of 1,990 military trauma patients injured in military operations, 39 were finally admitted to the intensive care unit of the Percy hospital and included in the analysis. Traumas were related to battle injuries and nonbattle injuries in 27 and 12 patients, respectively. Ninety-eight wounds were described: torso (n = 32), limbs (n = 32), head and neck (n = 25), and spine (n = 9). The mechanism of injury was explosion in 19 patients, gunshot wound in 8 patients, motor vehicular crash in 7 patients, or other mechanisms in 5 patients. The median Injury Severity Score was 25.5 (interquartile range, 14-34). CONCLUSION: This study highlights the small number of military severe trauma patients injured in recent warfare and their characteristics. The use of dedicated systemic military trauma registries could improve the specific epidemiological knowledge on recent warfare and help better prepare for future conflicts that may include major engagements and large-scale combat operations. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic and Epidemiological; Level V.

Use of prehospital transfusion by French emergency medical services: A national survey.

BACKGROUND: Major bleeding is the leading cause of preventable mortality among trauma patients. Several studies have recently shown that prehospital plasma transfusion improves the outcomes of severely injured patients. Although no consensus has been reached, prehospital transfusion is regularly considered to reduce avoidable mortality. The objective was to assess the status of prehospital transfusion practices in France. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A national survey among the 378 advance life support emergency teams (SMURs) in metropolitan France was conducted from December 15, 2020 to October 31, 2021. A questionnaire was distributed by e-mail to the physicians in charge of SMURs. The questions addressed the transfusion modalities, labile blood products (LBPs) used, and limitations encountered in implementing transfusion. RESULTS: The response rate was 48%, and 82% of the respondents performed prehospital transfusions. A designated pack was used by 44% of the respondents. The LBPs used were packed red blood cells (100%), of which 95% were group 0 RH:-1, fresh frozen plasma (27%), lyophilized plasma (7%), and platelets (1%). The LBPs were transported in isothermal boxes (97%) without temperature monitoring in 52% of the cases. Nontransfused LBPs were discarded in 43% of the cases. Reported limitations in implementing transfusion were the delivery time (45%), loss of LBPs (32%), and lack of evidence (46%). DISCUSSION: Prehospital transfusion was developed in France but access to plasma remains difficult. Protocols allowing the reutilization of LBPs and improving conservation could limit the waste of a rare resource. Implementing the use of lyophilized plasma could facilitate prehospital transfusion. Future studies will need to specify the role of each LBP in the prehospital setting.