Journal of the Royal Army Medical Corps
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The aim of this article is to describe the role and training of a General Duties Medical Officer (GDMO) based with the British Forces in Cyprus.
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Perineal trauma resulting from the adaptive use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) has become an increasingly common problem during current operational conflicts in Afghanistan. Control of haemorrhage from the perineum and high amputations is a particular challenge due to the bony anatomy, rich pelvic vascular supply and the difficulty in achieving haemostasis by direct pressure. In this article, the authors describe a potential pre-hospital solution for controlling haemorrhage from perineal and high amputation injuries.
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Flea bites can cause irritating symptoms, secondary infections, and may potentiate the spread of vector-borne disease. Flea infestation and bites may also cause significant psychological distress, and can reduce the morale and fighting fitness of deployed military personnel. The problem of flea infestation was highlighted during Op HERRICK 12 in two 'front line' Check Points (CPs) where the entire population of soldiers suffered from multiple symptoms due to flea infestation and bites. ⋯ Such failure was due to the incomplete killing of all stages of the flea life cycle, and due to constraints on education, training, communication, and resupply in the isolated and austere environment of the CPs. A dedicated operation (designated Op Insecticide) was put into action in order to eradicate the problem and return the affected troops back to full fighting fitness. Op Insecticide was thorough, systematic and sustainable, and lead to an eradication of the flea infestation problem at the affected CPs.