Survival rate up for U.S. troops wounded in Iraq
By Dave Moniz
USA Today
WASHINGTON — U.S. troops are more than twice as likely to survive combat wounds in Iraq than they have been in most wars over the past century, an analysis of the numbers of wounded and killed there shows.
During all major wars in the 20th century, one American service member died for every two to four wounded in combat. But factors such as better protective gear and aggressive new medical techniques now mean that many troops who might have died are now surviving — though some come away with grievous wounds.
The numbers are dramatic: Since the Iraq war began in March, one American service member has been killed for every seven injured in combat. That's nearly four times better than World War II, when one service member died for about every two wounded.
"This is a good news story. We have been able to save many more wounded service members," says Col. Ron Maul, a physician and the senior medical adviser at U.S. Central Command in Tampa, Fla.
Maul and other medical experts cite several reasons for the sharp increase in the survival rate:
- Wounded troops see surgeons and trauma specialists much more quickly. In Iraq, mobile surgical teams travel with combat units and can begin operating on severely wounded troops in minutes.
- Most troops in Iraq have protective Kevlar body armor that covers vital organs and can repel shrapnel and small-caliber bullets.
- Medics and other first-aid specialists carry blood supplies with them into battle so they can immediately stabilize patients who in previous wars might have bled to death before reaching a field hospital.
- The Iraq war has been characterized by guerrilla attacks instead of traditional battles with tanks, aerial bombs and heavy artillery.
The ratio of wounded-to-killed has improved even more since May 1, when President Bush declared major combat over. As of yesterday, about 1,062 U.S. troops had been wounded and 108 killed by enemy fire since May 1, about 10 wounded to every one killed.
