Battle casualities.

Eighty casualities, mainly due to explosive devices, sustained over a period of 3 1/2 months by the armed forces of the Sultan of Oman in counterinsurgency operations are analysed and their management by a British field surgical team is described. Of the 73 who reached the surgical centre alive, 56 per cent had suffered major injuries, yet all but 2 survived, giving an overall survival rate of 88.75 per cent (71/80). The effects of first aid and rapid evacuation on survival and their influence on the surgical work load and on the facilities required for treatment are assessed, together with their relevance to the planning of military and civilian accident services.