Pain management in victims of conflict.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to look at the options available for the management of pain in victims of conflict, from the point of wounding, through a chain of evacuation, to rehabilitation in the home country. This is relevant for all healthcare workers as any could find themselves treating veterans and having a clear understanding of what occurred will help.

RECENT FINDINGS: The article will discuss developments in the prehospital environment, the field hospital, during repatriation and back in the home country to include neurostimulation in cases of refractory pain. Evidence when available is provided and the difficulties in conducting research in this environment are touched upon.

SUMMARY: The current agents, routes and techniques found in any civilian medical service can be brought to bear with great benefit. However, the secret appears to lie in a robust approach to the importance of treating pain, encouraged in all healthcare professionals, and the recognition of the role of integrating the healthcare package throughout the chain of evacuation. Research remains difficult.