Military Injuries, Medic Training & Body Donors

Throughout the years, Science Care donors have increasingly contributed to ongoing research, development, and training efforts intended to reduce battlefield injuries and casualties in support of United States servicemen and servicewomen. 

Controlled research environments simulate real-life combat scenarios

All research and training activities conducted by government entities and affiliated research institutions are performed in scientifically simulated environments which are carefully controlled and monitored. Within these environments, donor tissue is treated with the utmost respect, dignity, and deference, and at no time is donor tissue exposed to actual battlefield conditions or events. 

Preventing and reducing the seriousness of combat injuries

Members of our Donor Community have fostered innovation and improvements aimed at reducing injury and casualties through: 

• Allowing for research into the development of countermeasures and tools intended to reduce the overall impact of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and under-vehicle blasts on the occupants of military transport vehicles.
• Facilitating the development of equipment and materials intended to further protect airborne personnel from injury — where mid-air ejections from aircraft are necessary, or other potentially harmful impact may be experienced.
• Enabling researchers to conduct biomechanical studies pertaining to effects of blunt force impacts to the head and neck — to bolster the effectiveness of flight and combat helmets as a means to reduce brain and skull injuries suffered by servicemen and servicewomen.
• Aiding in the development of other personnel protective gear and advanced vehicle safety devices — brought about through a better understanding of impacts of shockwaves on various anatomical regions, including the spine, ribs, hips, and knees.

Emergency response skill development saves lives and improves healing

In addition to aiding in the development of injury preventing and life-saving equipment utilized by military personnel, Science Care Donors provide medics and emergency response teams the opportunity to advance their skills, knowledge, and competency in the performance of:

• Rapid and accurate assessment of wounds following a traumatic event to reduce fatalities and allow for better recovery/healing.
• Emergency airway access and management, including intubation, cricothyrotomy, thoracostomy and escharotomy to allow an injured patient the proper ventilation and ability to breathe following a traumatic event constricting the lungs or airway.
• Advanced vein and arterial repair techniques intended to prevent substantial blood loss post injury
• Complex wound closure techniques intended to prevent infection of the affected site and allow for a quicker recovery post injury.

• Proper bone setting and fixation techniques intended to allow for proper healing and a return to pre-injury mobility post healing.

Long-term efforts to restore health and wellness to injured military personnel

Some injuries sustained while on deployment require more complex, longer-term treatment. Science Care donors also contribute to efforts intended to restore mobility, health, and wellness to injured Military Personnel. Some of these efforts include:

• The development of new, more minimally invasive approaches to direct nerve stimulation associated with cranial and facial nerves. 
• Advanced methods aimed at repairing complex injuries to joint cartilage, which, over time can lead to chronic pain and decreased mobility.
• Development of neurostimulators intended to reduce chronic pain throughout the body
• Development of patient specific prosthetic joint implants to return a patient to pre-injury mobility/activities.

As we remember those who risked and sacrificed all in service to their country, Science Care wishes to express humbly and respectfully our thanks to those donors who have contributed to efforts intended to protect and help heal those who continue to serve and protect us all. 

One in four donors with Science Care has previously served in a branch of our military. We support their continued mission to serve. For information on VA burial benefits, visit our VA Resources page.