Military medicine
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The incidence of diving accidents is increasing. Point-of-care ultrasound is the only imaging tool available in the field for the military physician who practices in isolated conditions. ⋯ Through a clinical case, we propose an algorithm of ultrasound triage for diving accidents with pulmonary symptoms. Point-of-care ultrasound makes it possible to avoid a risky transfer, by supporting a diagnosis and the treatment on the spot, to rule out contraindications to recompression, and to detect and monitor the treatment of high-risk complications such as the capillary leak syndrome.
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The effects of smoking on lung function among post-9/11 Veterans deployed to environments with high levels of ambient particulate matter are incompletely understood. ⋯ Although cumulative pack-years smoking was modest in this cohort, an inverse association with pulmonary function was detectable. Deployment-related pack-years had a similar association with pulmonary function compared to non-deployment-related pack-years.
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Sport and tactical populations are often impacted by musculoskeletal injury. Many publications have highlighted that risk is correlated with multiple variables. There do not appear to be existing studies that have evaluated a predetermined combination of risk factors that provide a pragmatic model for application in tactical and/or sports settings. ⋯ In addition to variables typically collected in this tactical setting (Injury History, BMI, and aerobic fitness), the inclusion of kinematic testing appears to enhance the precision of the risk identification model and will likely continue to be included in screening cadets at greater risk.
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Because of the diverse backgrounds of their healthcare professionals, Ukrainian military medicine needs expanded and enhanced military medical training to increase their readiness in the war against Russia. During March 2023, eight Ukrainian healthcare professionals participated in Operation Gunpowder, a high-fidelity prolonged casualty care simulation conducted by the USU as a part of its Military Unique Curriculum. In order to evaluate their experiences, we interviewed each healthcare professional and analyzed the data to determine common themes. ⋯ After experiencing the prolonged casualty care simulation training, the Ukrainian participants believed Operation Gunpowder to be a valuable training tool due to its ability to help them overcome the current challenges they are facing in their war against Russia. They described how they would integrate similar training in Ukraine, and follow-up correspondence revealed the success of these efforts. Other universities and institutions are likewise called to use their knowledge and resources to help train Ukrainian health professionals using simulation-based training or other education modalities.
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The main goal of this study was to assess the feasibility of a head-mounted display (HMD) providing telemedicine neurosurgical support during a decompressive craniectomy by a military surgeon who is isolated from readily available neurosurgical care. The secondary aim was to assess the usability perceived by the military surgeon and to evaluate technical aspects of the head-mounted display. ⋯ It is feasible to provide telemedicine neurosurgical support with a HMD during a decompressive craniectomy performed by a non-neurosurgically trained military surgeon. All military surgeons showed competence in performing a decompressive craniectomy after receiving a standardized concise lecture. The use of a HMD clearly demonstrated the potential to improve the quality of these neurosurgical procedures performed by military surgeons.