Journal of the Royal Army Medical Corps
-
The medical facility at Camp Bastion continues to evolve as a consequence of the increased throughput of battlefield trauma patients. There is a requirement for rapid and accurate diagnosis of haemodynamic instability and continued haemodynamic monitoring throughout the peri-operative period. ⋯ The old proverb: 'There are none so blind as those who cannot see' (Jeremiah 5:21) is applicable to this topic, in that TOE is proven to be a rapid, portable, safe and effective tool in the assessment of the haemodynamically unstable patient. This paper explores the application of TOE for the assessment of the major causes of haemodynamic instability in the trauma population.
-
This paper describes the author's experience of the paediatric patient load on the U. K. medical services in Afghanistan. ⋯ Some of the issues of paediatric anaesthesia in this environment are discussed including paediatric equipment, resuscitation for paediatric massive haemorrhage and regional anaesthesia. The need to formally recognise the problem in training and equipping deployed medical personnel to deal with this challenge is examined.
-
Thoracic wounding has been a relatively common presentation of military wounds throughout modern conflict. When civilian casualties are included the incidence has remained constant at around 10%, although the frequency and severity of wounds to combatants has been altered by modern body armour. ⋯ The physiological impact of thoracic wounds, however, is often great and survivors often require intensive care management and, where available, complex strategies to ensure oxygenation and carbon dioxide removal. This review examines the incidence and patterns of thoracic trauma and looks at therapeutic options for managing these complex cases.
-
At the time of writing, Afghanistan is the pre-eminent theatre of operations for UK military forces, which form a lead element in the International Security Assistance Force. Many junior medical officers (MOs) can expect to see service on Operation HERRICK in the south of the country, in support of deployed battlegroup formations. MO's will often find themselves supporting Company Group formations, either within the Company Aid Post, or on dismounted/vehicle borne operations. This article presents some of the challenges faced by those deployed in such circumstances, and proposes possible strategies to address them.