StormWarning’s Counterterrorism

REALLY Caring For Our Wounded Troops

The battles in the GWOT being fought in Iraq and Afghanistan and soon, probably elsewhere, are unlike any in our history. Modern medical science allows these warriors to survive catastrophic injuries that would have killed them just a few years ago. A recent report, United States Military Casualty Statistics: Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom makes the point clear:

Amputation and TBI statistics are provided to CRS by the Army Office of theSurgeon General. These injuries may overlap, that is, a single soldier may experience both a TBI and an amputation.

As of June 30, 2007, DOD reported 1,005 individuals who are amputees, of whom 708 suffered major limb amputations. Of the 1,005 total amputees, 488 (48.6%) were wounded by improvised explosive devices. 871 (87%) of the 1,005 amputees were wounded in OIF, 48 (5%) were wounded in OEF, and 86 (or 9%), were wounded in an unaffiliated conflict in the Global War on Terrorism or in training.

Battle injuries were the most common cause of amputations: 78% of amputees sustained their injuries in battle, another 16% sustained on-battle injuries, and 2% sustained injuries dueto disease. The cause of injury is unknown for 4% of amputees.

As of June 30, 2007, DOD reported a total of 3,294 soldiers suffering from traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs. Of those, 3,094 (or 94%) sustained their injury in OIF, while 200(6%) sustained their injury in OEF. Of the total injuries in OIF and OEF, 195 (6%) were counted as “severe,” and an additional 180 (5%) were counted as “penetrating.” Blasts caused 2,279 (69%) of the TBI cases; other causes include a fall (294 cases) and vehicular causes (284 cases).

Scientists and researchers at our universities are doing their part to serve the Nation and help our wounded soldiers to return to a “normal” life. Two recent articles posted here illustrate this point:

Sensory Capable Prosthetics and Stopping Battlefield Bleeding.