Complex War Injuries: Addressing the Needs of the War Wounded

Reports from Syria indicate the widespread destruction of health facilities and the flight of healthcare personnel. As a result, people in need of medical care are finding their way to the Israel-Syria border where they are retrieved by Israeli Defense Force paramedics and brought to hospitals in Israel for definitive care. Patients present with gunshot and blast injuries, as well as blunt trauma, and require high-level multidisciplinary care. As our experience grows, the clinical care of patients has become streamlined, and patients enjoy good surgical outcomes. Their mental health and rehabilitation needs, however, persist well after their immediate physical recovery, and providing for these needs is our next challenge.