O-64 - TRAINING PROGRAM IN EMERGENCY NEUROSURGERY FOR CONFLICT ENVIRONMENTS
Hospital Central de la Defensa, Madrid, Spain.
Introduction: Medical care in conflict zones presents unique challenges, with neurological trauma accounting for up to 25% of combat casualties. Limited access to neurosurgical specialists and delays in care increases significantly mortality and neurological sequelae.
Objectives: To address this, we developed a structured training program to equip medical teams with the necessary skills for managing neurosurgical emergencies in resource-limited settings. The program focuses on critical decision-making, trauma management, damage-control neurosurgery, and tactical evacuation.
Methods: The training program includes: Theoretical training on neurosurgical trauma, damage control surgery, and evacuation protocols. Practical training through: Combat scenario simulations for real-time decision-making. Anatomical models for emergency neurosurgical techniques. Cadaveric specimens for advanced surgical skills. Clinical immersion in high-volume hospitals, managing neurosurgical emergencies.
Results: Structured training significantly improves patient outcomes. Studies show a 20-30% reduction in mortality among traumatic brain injury patients following damage control surgery and early evacuation. Military hospitals implementing these programs report a 35% reduction in surgical intervention time, optimizing emergency care efficiency.
Conclusions: Emergency neurosurgery training enhances survival and reduces complications in severe neurological trauma. High-fidelity simulations and hands-on training improve healthcare providers' preparedness in conflict and disaster settings. Military-civilian collaboration has led to an effective, evidence-based model addressing evolving combat medicine and humanitarian challenges.