[Oganization of sanitary care organization in the 1st Infantry Battalion of the 7th Puma Brigade during offensive attacks at the Dinara Mountain in the Winter 94 operation]. / Iskustva u organizaciji sanitetskog zbrinjavanja u 1. pjesackoj bojni 7. gardijske brigade "Puma" tijekom napadajnih bojeva na planinskom masivu Dinara u operaciji "Zima 94".

ABSTRACT

AIM: The aim of this paper is to show sanitary care organization in the 1st infantry battalion of 7th Puma Brigade during attacks at the Dinara mountain in the Winter 94 operation, and to compare it with the general pattern described. The problems encountered and mistakes made in the medical care organization that were caused either by the lack of coordination between the command and military personnel or the lack of equipment, inadequate equipment, geographical characteristics of the area, communication problems, weather conditions or any other reason influencing sanitary care are presented. RESULTS: Based on the analysis of two cases, it is concluded that sanitary care was organizaed according to the echelon principles. During the war, medical care was satisfactory in spite of all the problems and shortcomings, mainly owing to the young, brave and enthusiastic command and medical personnel. CONCLUSION: Medical care in the Croatian Army during the war was an integral part of the military-civilian health care system. Despite rather common problems and deficiencies, the achievements in taking care of the wounded and sick persons were satisfactory, all the wounded men were properly managed, functionally and cosmetically recovered, and capable of normal living and work. These results were especially gratifying since they were, in general, recorded in young men.