Forward Surgical Teams

US Army Forward Surgical Teams (FST) are small, mobile surgical units fielded in their current form in the 1990s. However, evidence of small, mobile surgical teams date back to World War I. FSTs are utilized in a variety of ways, and can be attached to a Combat Support Hospital, a Forward Support Medical Company (FSMC) or a Battalion Aid Station (BAS) to provide additional surgical capability. Surgeons perform hemorrhage control on combat casualties within the "Golden Hour" of injury. Casualties can then be packaged for medical evacuation to a higher level of care. The FST typically includes 20 staff members: 4 Surgeons, 3 RN's, 2 Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA)'s, 1 Administrative Officer, 3 Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN)'s, 3 Surgical Tech's and 4 Medics.

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By doctrine, the team is capable of continuous operations with a divisional or non-divisional medical company for up to 72 hours with a planned caseload of 30 critical patients. The FST can sustain surgery for 24 total operating table hours and has the ability to separate into two teams that function independently. A functional operating room can be established within one hour of being on scene and break down to move to a new location within two hours of ceasing operations.

The Forward Surgical Team is organized into four functional areas:

• HEADQUARTERS - Communications and administrative functions.
• ATLS (Advanced Trauma Life Support) – Triages and prepares multiple casualties for surgery or transport.
• OR (Operating Room)– Sets up and begins surgery within one hour. Can be at full functioning capacity within two hours of establishing an area of operations.
• RECOVERY ICU – Eight beds for post-surgical care; two beds reserved for patients awaiting evacuation.

The unit's equipment and supplies are packed into six HMMWVs with trailers. The unit can be slingloaded onto cargo helicopters and moved by the headquarters unit.

FSTs are currently deployed in both Afghanistan and Iraq.