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I'm An Author Of Military Science Fiction Who Tends To

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Posted on Sat, 2 Jul 2022
Question: I'm an author of military science fiction who tends to get my characters injured in the line of duty. Are any of your doctors willing to help me with some book research? I would gladly include their name in the Acknowledgments.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shinas Hussain (11 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Definitely yes

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
I would like to collaborate.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shinas Hussain (3 days later)
I'm very sorry. Your answer landed in my Spam folder. I have fixed that. Here is the scenario:
Shortly after ejecting from his stricken fighter and while running from enemy pursuers, my pilot character falls on a dead stick that causes a deep laceration from the heel of his right hand almost to the inside of his elbow. (He's right-handed.) He has a military-issue first-aid kit, which he uses to stop the copious bleeding and clean the wound as well as he can under the circumstances, including antibiotic powder in the wound.
He has to travel through mountainous terrain on foot. It's early autumn, so temperatures become quite chilly at night, but no rain. He has survival gear. It will take him a week to get to the pickup point. He's living on survival rations, what edible seeds and insects he can find, and the canteens of water he has with him, which he'll need to refill in a creek (he has water purification tablets to kill amoebas, etc.).
He'll be weakened/in shock from blood loss, become sleep deprived, malnourished, and slightly dehydrated, I expect, as well as incurring a variety of abrasions and contusions. Despite his efforts to prevent it, the arm wound becomes infected and he'll be in bad shape from that by the time he's picked up.
In his weakened state, how likely is he to develop pneumonia as well? I'd rather he didn't; the arm wound should be the most serious risk to him being permanently grounded from flying. However, if that's likely I'm willing to work with it.
Whether or not he ends up with pneumonia will, I expect, determine what kind of immediate and follow-up medical care he'll require. I'd like to continue to correspond, if that is all right with you, once I receive your answer about pneumonia. If we can do that, then I will resubscribe.
Best regards,
Diann T. Read
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shinas Hussain (19 hours later)
Brief Answer:
He is susceptible for pneumonia and sepsis

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
He must have suffered a contaminated deep wound, which will definitely cause sepsis and eventually multiorgan failure and ultimately death. Pneumonia is very well possible because he is already having a contaminated wound which will dampen his immunity system, the cold condition also contribute to pneumonia.
He must receive immediate medical care, which include proper wound care with wound debridement and high end intravenous antibiotics. If there is ascending infection he might require amputation of the limb as well.
Antibiotics acts for pneumonia as well, ventilatory support is required if pneumonia is severe with respiratory compromise.
Hope I have answered your query
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shinas Hussain (4 hours later)
Thank you very much, Dr. XXXXXXX This is futuristic science fiction, so he will have advanced technology medical care. Might he be put in a medically induced coma on a ventilator to get him through the most critical stage?
Once they awaken him, how soon will they want to get him on his feet? I expect him to be very weakened, but he doesn't have any leg or back injuries. How long before he will be able to walk unassisted?
They will be able to save his arm, but he will need occupational therapy for some time.
Thank you again, very much. Best regards, Diann Read
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shinas Hussain (32 hours later)
Brief Answer:
It will take three four weeks minimum

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
It would be better to keep him for ventilatory support or medically induced coma for few days.
Once infection is settled he could get back to work. If there is no bony injuries like fracture the recovery will be faster. If fracture or major tendon injuries he may require surgery and immobilisation of limb in a case or sling.
Thanks
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Saisudha Kotla
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shinas Hussain

General Surgeon

Practicing since :2015

Answered : 23672 Questions

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I'm An Author Of Military Science Fiction Who Tends To

Brief Answer: Definitely yes Detailed Answer: Hi. I would like to collaborate.