The Defense Department could do a better job of compiling data on combat casualty research if non-medical agencies, such as the Army Research Laboratory, were included in the process, according to a February report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). The military biomedical research organizations do share information, GAO stated. But non-medical agencies could provide information, particularly early in the research process, which could help determine which related combat-casualty programs should be enhanced, corrected, or terminated. The change could translate directly into saved lives, GAO stated. "[The Defense Department] estimates that about 24 percent of service members who die in combat could have survived if improved and more timely medical care could be made available. Because multiple DoD organizations conduct research to develop medical products and processes to improve combat casualty care, it is critical that these organizations coordinate their work. It is also important that agencies monitor and assess their performance to help achieve organizational goals, which for DOD include addressing gaps in its capability to provide combat casualty care," the report stated. The Defense Department is reviewing the GAO recommendations and will provide a detailed response at a future date.
