[The role of the pulmonologist in an armed conflict]

Abstract

Introduction: Recent news points to the eventuality of an armed conflict on the national territory.

State of the art: In this situation, pulmonologists will in all likelihood have a major role to assume in caring for the injured, especially insofar as chest damage is a major cause of patient death.

Perspectives: The main injuries that pulmonologists may be called upon to treat stem not only from explosions, but also from chemical, biological and nuclear hazards. In this article, relevant organizational and pedagogical aspects are addressed. Since exhaustiveness on this subject is unattainable, we are proposing training on specific subjects for interested practitioners.

Conclusion: The resilience of the French health system in a situation of armed conflict depends on the active participation of all concerned parties. With this in mind, it is of prime importance that the pneumological community be sensitized to the potential predictable severity of war-related injuries.

Keywords: Arme biologique; Arme chimique; Armed conflict; Biological weapons; Chemical weapons; Conflit armé; Pneumologue; Pulmonologist.