Military-Civilian Integration as a Tool to Bolster Mass Casualty Incident Response Globally

Abstract

Abstract Objectives In a model of military-civilian trauma system integration, coordination of mass casualty incident response by military and civilian entities could be more effective through reduced duplication of services and improved resource utilization. The following study seeks to examine and address the challenges faced in establishing integrated trauma systems. Methods Through a survey this study comprehensively gathered data on trauma system capabilities and the current degree of military-civilian integration of 73 individual countries. Through a scoring method based on participant responses, countries were classified into three distinct integration types, ranging from minimal (Type I) to robust (Type III). This method allowed analysis of the association of numerous trauma system factors with increased integration status. Results A higher integration status is associated with coordinated use of military and civilian resources for aero-medical evacuation (Chi Square p<0.05). With regards to resource utilization, countries with higher integration status exhibited more rapid availability of blood products (Chi Square p<0.05), a critical factor contributing to improved mortality among traumatically injured patients. Conclusion By identifying key areas where integration can be strengthened, and by understanding the underlying factors shaping these frameworks, this research seeks to build more collaborative and resource-efficient responses to mass casualty incidents globally.