Medicine and critical care in contingency operations in the resource-limited environment: a case study

Abstract This paper highlights the key lessons learned in the care of a critically unwell patient during a contingency operation in a resource-limited environment. These include dealing with vulnerabilities in the re-supply of medications and equipment, treating pathology that is not often seen in young, fit UK military personnel and force protection issues to ensure the maintenance of operational capability. It also highlights the rapid United Nations (UN) response to aeromedical evacuation and some of the challenges of performing a critical care transfer in this environment.