Advancements and Evolution of Combat Casualty Care with DHA Trauma Medical Director Colonel Stacy Shackelford, MD, FACS

   Prepare to be riveted as we journey through the invigorating world of Military Medicine, guided by the unique insights of Air Force Colonel Stacy Shackelford, MD, Trauma Surgeon, and the Defense Health Agency Trauma Medical Director. Our exploration starts with the Joint Trauma System, where Colonel Shackelford sheds light on how data from combat casualty care on the battlefield has been instrumental in enhancing evaluation and treatment strategies. Gain an understanding of Colonel Shackelford's first-hand experiences from her multiple deployments around the globe, her specialty in trauma surgery, and the achievements of the Joint Trauma System since 2005.  Imagine the possibilities as we delve into the world of data-driven treatment advancements and their significant impact on the field.

  This episode is not just about advancements but also evolution. We dive into the transformation of trauma care in the military, with Dr. Shackelford leading the discussion around the critical role of whole blood, component therapy, and medic training in improving casualty care. Hear her recount her time as the Joint Theater Trauma System Director in Afghanistan, where she proudly trained Air Force medical teams for deployment requirements. Get a glimpse of her first assignment at Shock Trauma in Baltimore and discover how it has shaped her career trajectory.

  The advancements in Military Medicine over the past two decades are nothing short of remarkable. We recount the incredible story of one casualty who was saved using nearly every single medical advance made during this era. This narrative illustrates the power and importance of pre-hospital care, en-route care, the various Roles of care, and the Joint Trauma System. We delve into the challenges faced in bettering combat casualty care and the resistance encountered from those with different priorities. Don't miss the chance to hear about the unyielding efforts to make continuous improvements in this critical field of medicine.

   This episode is a testament to the constant innovation in Military Medicine, the struggles, the triumphs, and the unforgettable human stories at its heart. So, buckle up, and get ready for a fascinating journey into the world of Military Medicine.

 

Chapters:

(0:00:00) - Joint Trauma System Development

(0:05:00) - Trauma Care in the Military Evolution

(0:18:36) - Advancements in Military Medicine

(0:26:14) - Military Medicine and Battlefield Experiences

 

Chapter Summaries:

(0:00:00) - Joint Trauma System Development (5 Minutes)

   Air Force Colonel Stacey Shackelford, MD, talks about the Joint Trauma System and how data from combat casualty care on the battlefield is used to guide improvements in evaluation and treatment strategies. We hear about Stacey's deployments around the globe, her specialty in trauma surgery, and the accomplishments of the Joint Trauma System since 2005. We also learn about the data-driven approach to improving care and how the JTTS was established under the National Defense Authorization Act.

 

(0:05:00) - Trauma Care in the Military Evolution (14 Minutes)

We explore the changes in trauma and how the military's use of whole blood, component therapy, and training of medics has vastly improved casualty care. Dr. Shackelford talks about her experience as the Joint Theater Trauma System Director in Afghanistan and her pride in training the Air Force medical teams to deploy. We also learn about her first assignment at Shock Trauma in Baltimore and the impact that has had on her career.

 

(0:18:36) - Advancements in Military Medicine (8 Minutes)

We discuss the amazing save of one casualty who was taken care of using nearly every advance in Military Medicine over the past two decades. We explore the importance of pre-hospital care, en route care, Roles of care, and the Joint Trauma System. We consider the impact of the military's use of whole blood, component therapy, and training of medics in vastly improving casualty care. We consider the coalition of people who are constantly thinking about how to make combat casualty care better and the resistance they face from those who prioritize other things.

 

(0:26:14) - Military Medicine and Battlefield Experiences (6 Minutes)

  We examine the importance of