IDF Medical Chief Reports 77% of War Wounded Return to Service Amidst Heavy Casualties
Brigadier General Dr. Avi Shina, commander of the IDF Medical Services Center, reflects on the challenges and achievements in treating and rehabilitating soldiers wounded since the outbreak of the war on October 7. With 22 years of military medical experience, including roles in major conflicts and medical command positions, Dr. Shina has overseen care for over 8,900 wounded soldiers, with approximately 77% returning to service. This includes about 3,600 combat soldiers out of 4,600 wounded, 400 combat support personnel out of 500, and 3,000 others in various roles.
Dr. Shina emphasizes the critical role of immediate medical support, particularly the presence of uniformed personnel from the R"AM 2 unit at hospitals, which provides wounded soldiers with a vital psychological anchor during moments of trauma. He highlights the emotional and psychological challenges soldiers face after discharge, noting the gap between hospital support and returning home. To address this, the Medical Services Center established a comprehensive recovery and rehabilitation center offering holistic care, including social services, to support soldiers until they are ready to return to duty.
The center also identified significant fear among permanent soldiers and fighters about returning to their units due to ongoing medical treatments. To ease this transition, a dedicated unit with nurses was created to assist returning soldiers in managing their medical needs while reintegrating into their units.
Mental health support has been expanded, with diverse officers leading mandatory support groups to help soldiers cope with post-injury isolation and distress. Despite the military setbacks on October 7, Dr. Shina asserts that the medical system was well-prepared and has since grown considerably, though he warns that the battlefield is becoming increasingly lethal, necessitating improved head injury treatments and protective measures.
Dr. Shina also recounts the emotional toll on families who have suffered devastating losses and the complex care provided to returned hostages, describing this as a pinnacle of his service. He characterizes the experience as a mix of pride and sorrow, reflecting on the heavy price paid by soldiers, families, and the nation.
Summary: Brigadier General Dr. Avi Shina, head of the IDF Medical Services, reports that despite over 8,900 soldiers wounded since October 7, about 77% have returned to service. The medical system provides comprehensive physical and mental health support, addressing challenges in rehabilitation and reintegration amid ongoing conflict and battlefield dangers.
