Content provided in partnership with

Health Care Industry

Croatian Medical Corps in Bosnia and Herzegovina during the 1992-1995 War

Military Medicine, Nov 2003 by Bagaric, Ivan, Eldar, Reuben

<< Page 1 Continued from page 7. Previous | Next

Only 11% of casualties were evacuated to the rear from war hospitals compared with 57% evacuated to rear hospitals from field medical units in the War of Attrition in the Sinai.41 The overall total mortality in war hospitals, from 0%15 to 8.4%14 was comparable with experiences of other recent conflicts, such as 5.5% in Israeli rear hospitals42 and 8.7% in the American University Medical Center in Beirut.113 Thus, because early definitive treatment can save lives,44,45 war hospitals have performed a crucial role in mitigating the consequences of war. Their thorough and timely preparation and establishment was crucial for their effective work, which included not only the care of war casualties but also the provision of routine health care to the population. Despite large number of massive blood transfusions, there were no post-transfusion reactions or associated complications,14,15

Most Popular Articles in Health: Fuel your workout: exercisers who eat before they work out have more energy ...; Soothe a dry, itchy scalp: 5 easy expert solutions; Cocktails and calories: Beer, wine and liquor calories can really add up. ...; The sour truth about apple cider vinegar - evaluation of therapeutic use; The, six best supplements you've never heard of: these secret weapons can ...; More »

The MCHQ was able to procure sufficient donations of dressing, intravenous fluids, splints, equipment, medications, and other supplies. Because all relevant drugs and materials were asked for specifically by professionals, sufficient amounts in appropriate packing and doses, everything needed was at hand, both in military formations and in war hospitals (except psychopharmaceuticals that could not be supplied in sufficient amounts). This occurred despite the fact that Bosnalijek, the only pharmaceutical industry of BH, was in surrounded Sarajevo and did not function during the war.

Despite high potential for outbreak of enterically transmitted disease, particularly in summer, no epidemics were recorded during the war, and only a limited outbreak of hepatitis, typhoid, and dysentery46 and sporadic cases of enterocolitis due to Escherichia coli occurred.15

Physicians and other health workers carried the very heavy burden of the development and implementation of the Corps' activities and were as close as possible to the scene of fighting. They paid a high price with 2 physicians killed and 13 seriously wounded, 16 nurses/technicians killed and 97 seriously wounded, and 19 ambulance drivers killed and 84 seriously injured.22 By treating all three ethnic entities, the Croat medical profession in BH has significantly contributed to the peace building and postwar reconciliation in the country.47

Comments

The medical services of the Croatian Medical Corps in BH during the 1992-1995 war initiated, planned, and executed by the medical profession fulfilled their purpose effectively. They were established without an infrastructure of medical institutions and without health care personnel experienced and trained in military medicine. The services were based on the conversion of primary health care facilities and other adaptable premises that could be used for the purpose. They functioned with the help of local personnel and volunteer medical and other health personnel from abroad, using mainly donated equipment and supplies.

We agree that in respect to war the top priority of the medical profession is the prevention of hostilities and their cessation.48 Should they nevertheless escalate, the medical profession is able and obliged by medical as well as organizational means to ease the suffering caused by war.

Health Care Industry

Croatian Medical Corps in Bosnia and Herzegovina during the 1992-1995 War

Military Medicine, Nov 2003 by Bagaric, Ivan, Eldar, Reuben

Find Research Guides for:

Find Featured Titles for: Autos

Most Popular Articles in Health

Most Popular Publications in Health