Air transport of patients with severe lung injury: development and utilization of the Acute Lung Rescue Team.

Background: Critical Care Air Transport Teams (CCATTs) are an integral component of modern casualty care, allowing early transport of critically ill and injured patients. Aeromedical evacuation of patients with significant pulmonary impairment is sometimes beyond the scope of CCATT because of limitations of the transport ventilator and potential for further respiratory deterioration in flight. The Acute Lung Rescue Team (ALRT) was developed to facilitate transport of these patients out of the combat theater.

Critical care at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center.

Background: Landstuhl Regional Medical Center is the largest U.S. medical facility outside the United States, and it is the first permanently positioned hospital outside the combat zone providing care to the wartime sick and wounded.

Work-related burns.

Work-related upper extremity burns often occur. The cause directs the course of action. Thermal burns should be assessed for system alterations, and depth of burn should be determined.