Journal of the Royal Naval Medical Service
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Surgical trauma care on operations is delivered by consultants. The DMS presently delivers training to surgeons to enable them to deliver this care as newly-qualified consultants. Deploying as a trainee is one of many training evolutions available to achieve this competency. This paper describes the process involved in trainees deploying, and the training received by the first author (CAF) during a recent deployment. ⋯ Deploying on operations as a trainee is invaluable in preparing DMS juniors for their future roles as consultants in the DMS. Training is received not only in a breadth of surgical and resuscitative procedures, beyond a trainee's "base specialty", but also in other critical aspects of deployments including Crew Resource Management.
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The embarkation of detainees is complex and medical requirements and ethical considerations can collide with operational requirements. Morally and ethically the correct route of action is always to disembark the patient at the earliest opportunity to a first rate medical facility; however this is not always possible for a variety of geographical, operational, financial and political reasons. It is ultimately a command decision utilising the best advice that the Medical Officer can provide. It is important that Commanding Officers and Medical Officers have a strong working relationship and understand each other's responsibilities and constraints.
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Biography Historical Article
The death of an admiral--surgery and medicine in Nelson's Navy.
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Blast lung injury is an increasing problem for UK forces in Afghanistan, but is not a new phenomenon, with evidence that it has been increasing in incidence over the last century. Management is conservative, but there are newer therapies that may play a role in the future management of this condition.