

Prolonged Field Care Podcast 235: Lessons Learned from a Guerrilla Surgeon
Jun 23, 2025
Join an eye-opening discussion with a seasoned military surgeon as he shares the grit and adaptability required for surgical practices in austere environments. Topics include the stark realities of operating under limited resources and the critical need for effective training. Discover insights on the essential differences between definitive care and damage control surgery. The conversation highlights the global surgical care crisis and the importance of courage and simplicity in high-stakes settings. Perfect for those aspiring to make a difference in challenging medical scenarios.
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Limits Of Small Teams
- Jason was assigned to a small forward surgical team but refused to promise 20-person capability with a five-person team.
- The disagreement ended his ghost-team deployment but taught him to accept reduced capability with reduced inventory.
Surgeon Shapes Operational Boundaries
- The surgeon often determines where a team can operate by insisting on conditions that match their usual setup.
- Adapting expectations and training the right people expands operational options.
Kids Sent Away In Combat
- Jason described a forward surgical element that operated on one wounded child and sent five away, likely dooming them.
- He used this to illustrate harsh choices in warzones where follow-up care is absent.