Initial Experience of US Marine Corps Forward Resuscitative Surgical System During Operation Iraqi Freedom

Authors:
  • PRPeter Rhee
    Peter Rhee
  • BBBruce C. Baker
    Bruce C. Baker
  • JPJohn Perciballi
    John Perciballi
  • MCMiguel Cubano
    Miguel Cubano
  • MCMichael Compeggie
    Michael Compeggie
  • MNMichael Nace
    Michael Nace
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Abstract
Current US Marine Corps (USMC) doctrine involves frequent use of expeditionary maneuver warfare. Tactically, this means combat units are moving rapidly, often bypassing less significant opposing forces to engage key targets. This policy results in combatants often traveling hundreds of miles away from the supporting units that contain traditional surgical teams. Such dynamic and nonlinear warfare poses obvious logistical difficulties to US Navy medical personnel who provide support to USMC combatants. To prevent these tactics from leading to severe delays in critically injured Marines reaching surgical intervention, the USMC and US Navy developed the Forward Resuscitative Surgery System (FRSS). These small, mobile trauma surgical teams are designed to provide tactical surgical intervention of combat casualties in the forward area. This report documents the initial use of the FRSS during the first phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF).

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