Military Medical Ethics – Scenario Collection

A young woman with infected burns in the early post disaster phase in Haiti

Page ID: 6
Last updated: 09 May, 2022
Page ID: 6
Last updated: 09 May, 2022
Revision: 7
Comments: 0

Five days after an earthquake (on the second day of the international relief mission), a young woman in acute distress is brought to the field hospital's triage department accompanied by a volunteer physician from another medical team.

On examination third degree infected burns are found on a total of 60-70% burns of her body.

Because of her poor prognosis, lack of plastic surgery capabilities and the lack of intensive care beds the question arises of whether to accept the patient to the facility.

Source: Direct report by treating physician

Questions for the discussion of this scenario

1. If the decision is not to admit, what should be done if there is not any other facility, if there is no one or family to help?
2. If we admit, can we lower the standard of care in order to treat other patients with a better prognosis?

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Page ID: 6
Last updated: 09 May, 2022
Revision: 7
Comments: 0
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