Management of casualties in the assault of Camp Abubakar

ABSTRACT

The decision to take over Camp Abubakar, the largest camp of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), resulted in one of the largest numbers of combat-related casualties in the Philippines. In the delivery of health care, the health service of the AFP in the area encountered various problems. There were difficulties in the retrieval of the casualties, lack of transportation to the collecting points and centers for definitive care, lack of health personnel, and the limited surgical/medical capabilities of the treatment areas near the engagement. In spite of the adaption of new strategies, there was still significant increase in the morbidity and mortality incurred by the battle casualties. During the Abubakar assault, there were 127 wounded military personnel. Twenty percent was due to classified as "killed in action" (KIA). Twenty percent was due to delayed application of emergency care secondary to blood loss from chest and abdominal wounds. This incident brings to fore the need for changes in the current strategy in disaster management.