scope:

The aim of this handbook is to provide guidance for NATO Naval Medical Officers on those aspects of Service Medicine about which they need to be informed, which are either covered inadequately in standard textbooks or publications of national Government Departments, or which require special consideration because of the varied conditions encountered in the naval environment afloat, in the air or under the sea.

The handbook does not constitute an official position of NATO nations; certain aspects however are already covered by STANAGs and this is being extended. It should be noted that detailed information on the treatment of traumatic injuries is contained in the Emergency War Surgery Handbook, which should be used in conjunction with this handbook.