Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: Aim: to elucidate the specifics of providing immediate psychological aid to warfighters experiencing acute combat stress during the execution of professional and combat missions. Materials and methods: Research methods: analysis and generalization of scientific and educational literature and data from the Internet; study and generalization of combat experience during the Russian-Ukrainian war in 2022-2026. The main factors that trigger combat stress in warfighters have been identified: extreme conditions and danger, fear for one’s life, and separation from family. The physiological and emotional signs of combat stress have been described. Physiological signs include tension, pain, exaggerated startle response, autonomic nervous system dysfunction (dizziness or disorientation, a strong and rapid heart rate, dry mouth, inability to focus vision, rapid breathing, pale skin, paresthesia and numbness in extremities, and others), sleep disturbances, persistent fatigue, and exhaustion. Emotional signs include a constant sense of anxiety, agitation, restlessness, irritability, attention and memory impairments, clouded thinking, feelings of guilt, aggression, loss of confidence and self-esteem, and social isolation. The protocol for providing immediate psychological aid to warfighters exhibiting signs of acute combat stress, based on NATO (ICOVER) standards, has been outlined below. It consists of six main steps: Identification, Contact, Offer Commitment, Verify Facts, Establish Order of Events, and Request Action. Conclusions: Adherence to the protocol for providing immediate psychological aid to a warfighter exhibiting signs of acute combat stress will help improve the unit’s combat effectiveness, enhance the efficiency of combat mission execution, and reduce psychogenic losses in the Russian-Ukrainian war.
Source: Emergency Medical Service
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7204271499