CMD RPT ODS 17 MAR 91 AMD CDRS SUMMARY 17 MAR 91

File: 980811_sep96_decls6_0013.txt
Page: 0013
Total Pages: 17
Subject = CMD RPT ODS   17 MAR 91 AMD CDRS SUMMARY   17 MAR 91

Box ID = BX003208

Folder Title = 251ST EVAC HOSP-ANNEX E ODS

File Cabinet = Week-38

Parent Organization = HSC





















                 The Americans had been operating in Phase I of a 4 phased
            operational plan.    This first phase consisted a+ a short period
            of observation and assessment of the host-country hospital
            operation.   We found them to be professionally and clinically
            sound. However, we noted administrative redundancies and
            over-control consistent with the micro-management and attention
            to negative detail so common in the orient.      Accordingly within a
            week, we moved into Phase 11, that of insertion, polite but firm,
            a+ American ideas.   Nurses began starting ZV's.     Doctors began
            stream-lining admission requirements.     A multiply injured US
            patient was admitted by me directly to the ICU without the
            formalities a* ER physician evaluation and approval by the Saudi
            Ciiief of Anesthesiology.   Specialty areas of intensive care were
            opened and became operational for the first time under American
            direction.   A burn team arrived from ISR, Ft Sam Houston, TX and
            opened the hospital's burn center for the first time.      The Dental
            detachment changed the dental clinic from a leisurely made to a
            -Full operational status, seeing military and civilian patients
            from all nations in the Gulf war.     The operating room went from a
            one room mode to a functioning suite where 2 or even 3
            simultaneous major cases became common place.      Our in-patient
            census which was 55, on January 17, swelled to over 200.

                 Our CPS, Cal Creighton B. Wright identified the need for
            professional linkage within the medical community at KKMC and set
            up a daily trauma cort-Ference which quickly attracted medical and
            nursing staff members in the area.     These meetings afforded a
            general concensus of the strengths and weaknesses of the
            hospitals and an identification of ley sub-specialists who could
            move about in consultation.    A good pre-war trauma review was
            also accomplished.

                 As these clinical areas became busier, we moved into Phase
            111, unannounced but de facto, temporary ta@,,e-over of operations.
            COL Kenneth Swan, one our senior surgeons, developed a mass
            casualty plan changing theirs from one marginally suitable for a
            single influx of 10-30 patients to one for effective processing
            a+ up to 300 patients per day for 10 days.      As the ground war
            approached and with considerable care to the timing of
            introduction, this plan was implemented with no opposition from
            the international staff or Saudi hospital command. Redundancies
            were eliminated as much as possible.     A new single page medical
            -Form was instituted for injury management.     Our PAD officers
            worked diligently with Saudi counterparts to stream-line
            the host country procedures for evacuating multi-national
            injured and later for disposing of EPW patients.      Our
            log4sticians combined the Saudi channels with the US channels
            into a joint workable supply system.

                 The duration of conflict proved brief, and US casualties
            mercifully low.   The Hospital Commander awarded 8 Purple Hearts,
            and we had I combat death.    04 greater volume, were the host and
            other nation military wounded and then the EPW and refugee
Unit = OTSG        
Parent = HSC