Abstract
Aim
We studied the characteristics of patient attendances at the Camp Bastion Field Hospital in the peak period of clinical activity. It has been expected that the summer of 2009 in Afghanistan would cause increased battle intensity due to the Afghan presidential referendum. Furthermore it was expected that civilian casualties would make up an increasing share of the total number of patients.
Method
Data was collected retrospectively from medical records by an on-site researcher. Each attendance was counted as a separate activity; some patients attended the hospital more than once.
Population
All patients treated at the Camp Bastion Field Hospital in the month 20 July 2009 to 24 August 2009. Those dead on arrival at the hospital (KIA) are excluded from analysis.
Results
There were 820 patient attendances during the observation period. The patient group was represented by ISAF (coalition) soldiers including civilian contractors (N=640; 78%); Afghanistan National Army (ANA (N=75; 9%)); civilian adults (N=81; 10%); and children (N=24; 3%). 303 of all patient attendances (37%) were battle-related. There was a mean of 7 trauma calls per day ([2–17]; SD=6). There was a mean of 12 ED attendances per day returned to unit after treatment ([4–25]; SD=4). There were 95 admissions to ICU and 333 admissions to the ward. Civilian adults had the longest hospital ICU stay (mean 3 days;[–8]; SD=2). Children had the longest hospital ward stay (mean 8 days;[1–14]; SD=7). 27% of the attendances (N=220) were classed as multi-trauma, gunshot or fracture/dislocation. 619 patient attendances underwent non-surgical treatment (75%) and 151 underwent major surgery (18%). 39 patients had re-look/definitive operations (5%). Civilian adults made up the largest component of this group (N=18; 46%). 3% of the patients died during hospital stay (N=21), where the mortality rate for the children was 38%. 76% of all patient attendances were discharged home (civilians) or to military unit (N=610).
Conclusion
ISAF made up the largest patient group. ANA and civilians accounted for less than 25% of all patient attendances. 37% of the patient attendances were for battle-related causes and 27 % of the patient attendances were of serve injury. Children and civilian adults had a higher number of re-look/definitive operations compared to ISAF.
