Comparison of a Novel Tool-less External Fixator Clamp with an Established System Regarding Handling and Stability
Introduction With a growing frequency of extreme weather events, associated natural disasters1 and military conflicts, there is an increasing incidence of fractures requiring emergency treatment in the context of ‘damage control’ using simple methods such as an external fixator. As Martinez-Rondanelli et al. point out in their 2021 manuscript on damage control in orthopaedics and […]
Book Review: Average 70kg D**khead: Motivational Lessons from an Ex-Army Special Forces Doctor
Average 70kg D**khead: Motivational Lessons from an Ex-Army Special Forces Doctor By Dan Pronk. Fremantle: Vivid Publishing, 2019. ISBN 978-1925846744. Reviewed by Darren Cronshaw Warning: This review delves into trauma issues that may be distressing to some readers. Support is available through your Chain of Command, Chaplaincy or Health Centre, Lifeline 131144 or Open Arms […]
Novel approaches to point of injury care utilising robotic and autonomous systems
Abstract Army has developed a robotic and autonomous system (RAS) strategy (2018); however, health has yet to feature in this domain. Artificial intelligence can be used to augment surgical and resuscitative intervention on the battlefield utilising current heads-up display technology, aligning with three key strategic aims of the RAS document of 1) maximising soldier performance, […]
The Case of The Soldier Who Failed to Return: Reflections on Psychodynamic Psychotherapy with Combat Veteran
Abstract The effects of war on combat veterans’ mental health are numerous and well established. Several effective interventions exist based on cognitive–behavioural therapy that aim to reduce the symptoms of anxiety, depression and PTSD that many veterans struggle with. However, little attention has been paid to psychodynamic psychotherapy and documenting its use in treating the […]
Treatment at Point of Injury – Forward movement of surgical assets to address non- compressible truncal haemorrhage
Abstract Contemporary battlefield trauma surgery in the Middle East Region has been characterised by aeromedical evacuation by rotatory wing (RWAME) with relative impunity. Therefore, future health planning needs to consider an environment whereby RWAME movement may be degraded or denied by a near-peer, peer or superior threat. To that end, an exploration of alternative approaches […]
An Operational Clinical Skill Set for the ADF General Surgeon: a proposal and proof of concept
Background Hippocrates recognised that civilian practice alone does not prepare military surgeons for the trauma they may treat while deployed. Similarly, many medical professionals acknowledge that the technical and non-technical skills required of military General Surgeons are unique to the combat environment. Civilian general surgery practice is increasingly characterised by subspecialisation and minimally invasive operative […]
An Overview of the Key Elements Required for Haemostasis Following Military Trauma from the Point of Injury to Definitive care
Abstract Haemorrhage control for traumatised soldiers takes place at many levels, from the point of injury through resuscitation and reception into surgical facilities, and postoperatively to intensive care units where normalisation of physiology and ultimate recovery following definitive surgery may be achieved. Differences in priorities and availability of interventions at each level of care provide […]
Concussion within the Military
Concussion within the Military Roy Beran CMDR rtd, MBBS, MD, FRACP, Dr Sonu Bhaskar MD, PhD Abstract Concussion or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is associated with long-term impairments in military personnel. Diagnosis of the condition remains clinically challenging. Neurological examination and cognitive symptoms may not accurately map the nature and severity of underlying brain […]
‘Military Superbug’ Acinetobacter Baumanii Induced Sepsis in Craniofacial Gunshot Injuries
‘Military Superbug’ Acinetobacter Baumanii Induced Sepsis in Craniofacial Gunshot Injuries I Danish Khan, Associate Professor, Army College of Medical Sciences and Base Hospital, New Delhi, India Craniofacial gunshot injuries encountered during CI/CT operations are involved in a situational complexity requiring astute battlefield care, streamlined evacuation logistics, and operative and critical life support capabilities at various […]
Comparing PTSD Among Returning War Veterans
Military personnel experiencing combat in Iraq and Afghanistan are suffering wounds that are much greater in number and variety than those endured by veterans of earlier wars. This circumstance is due, in part, to advances in medical science and technology. Soldiers, sailors and marines who suffered such severe wounds in earlier wars simply died because […]