MEDICAL SUPPORT TO A NONPROFESSIONAL BRIGADE DURING THE CROATIAN OPERATION STORM

A review and description is presented of medical support in the nonpro fessional Croatian Home Guard brigade [2,200 soldiers) during the Croa tian Operation Storm, Medical support was organized according to a str aightforward and easily changeable model that enabled quick adaptation s from defense to attack positions, It was provided initially on the f ront line by company reception units, Further support included battali on aid stations, brigade clearing stations, and the Clinical Hospital (fourth echelon) in the nearby city, The brigade medical corps was all volunteers: 9 medical doctors (two women) and 20 medical technicians and nurses. Medical corps assets included a mobile surgical team, eigh t ambulance vehicles, two spare vehicles, and one helicopter. After on e 3-day action, brigade losses were 3 dead, 31 wounded (14 with firear ms), and 2 diseased, According to the available data, enemy losses wer e 25 dead, 4 wounded, 2 sick soldiers, and 48 captured, Transportation time from the battlefield to the hospital was between 60 and 75 minut es, There were no deceased (including enemy soldiers) because of insuf ficient medical support and/or transportation problems, The applied mo del of medical corps organization, elaborate preparations, good traini ng, and excellent motivation had a major role in successful treatment of war casualties.