Journal of the Royal Army Medical Corps
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Traumatic cardiac arrest (TCA) in children is associated with a low probability of survival and poor neurological outcome in survivors. Since 2003, over 600 seriously injured local national children have been treated at deployed UK military medical treatment facilities during the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. A number of these were in cardiac arrest after sustaining traumatic injuries. This study defined outcomes from paediatric TCA in this cohort. ⋯ This study demonstrates that the outcomes for paediatric TCA in our military field hospitals were similar to other paediatric civilian and adult military studies, despite patients being injured by severe blast injuries. Further work is needed to define the optimal management of paediatric TCA.
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Editorial
General Duties Medical Officer Role 1 remote supervision in the era of Army Contingency Operations.
The return to contingency after Operation HERRICK (2002-2014 Afghanistan conflict) has seen an emerging trend for small-scale rapidly developing expeditionary operations. The associated small, remote medical footprint for such operations, often within a coalition construct, reliant on host nation support is in direct conflict with the General Medical Council (GMC) guidelines for junior doctor supervision in an 'approved practice setting'. If a General Duties Medical Officer (GDMO) is nominated to support future operations, the provision of assured patient care and supervision within GMC guidelines, while ensuring career progression and ongoing education, may prove a challenge. ⋯ The authors' first-hand experience in implementing this policy is explored further. The deployment of a remotely supervised GDMO, in line with British Army Policy, is both suitable and safe. This should assure quality medical care delivery during the era of Army Contingency Operations.