Removal of Unexploded Ordnance (UXO)

Are you treating a patient with an unexploded ordnance embedded in the body?

Will the device be removed before transporting the patient any distance?

Has the location and type of ordnance been established, using an X-ray if necessary?

Are you fairly sure that the device is not a booby trap and does not have a delayed fuse?

Is the patient kept away from other patients and treated last?

Is the removal to be performed in a safe place outside and away from the hospital facility?

Is the number of people involved to be kept to a minimum?

Will local or regional anesthesia be used?

Has the patient been surrounded by a barrier of sandbags or some other blast barrier?

Is the operating team wearing protective clothing with eye, facial and head protection?

Is there an explosion resistant container in which to place the ordnance once removed?

Are oxygen or other items that might contribute to a fire kept at a distance?

Is the device removed en bloc or by amputation if necessary?

Is the surgery performed as gently as possible with manipulation kept to a minimum?

Are things that could trigger the device (vibration, direct contact, electrostatic charge, etc) avoided?