Between the devil and the deep blue sea: A review of 25 modern naval mass casualty incidents with implications for future Distributed Maritime Operations

J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 2021 Aug 1;91(2S Suppl 2):S46-S55. doi: 10.1097/TA.0000000000003199.

Abstract

Abstract: In the future, United States Navy Role 1 and Role 2 shipboard medical departments will be caring for patients during Distributed Maritime Operations in both contested and noncontested austere environments; likely for prolonged periods of time. This literature review examines 25 modern naval mass casualty incidents over a 40-year period representative of naval warfare, routine naval operations, and ship-based health service support of air and land operations. Challenges, lessons learned, and injury patterns are identified to prepare afloat medical departments for the future fight.

Level of evidence: Literature Review, level V.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Forecasting
  • Humans
  • Mass Casualty Incidents*
  • Naval Medicine* / trends
  • Submarine Medicine
  • Transportation of Patients
  • United States
  • War-Related Injuries / mortality
  • War-Related Injuries / therapy