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Featured Articles

Fall 2024

Enhanced Manual Ventilation with a Handheld Audiovisual Device - BENGI - Insights from a Pilot Study in Special Operations Medicine

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White LA, Maxey BS, Solitro GF, Conrad SA, Davidson KP, Alhaque A, Alexander JS. 24(3). 9 - 17. (Journal Article)

Abstract

Background: In emergency casualty and evacuation situations, manual ventilation using self-inflating bags remains a critical skill; however, significant challenges exist in ensuring safety and effectiveness, since inaccurate manual ventilation is associated with life-threatening risks (e.g., gastric insufflation with aspiration, barotrauma, and reduced venous return). Methods: This study assessed the impact of audiovisual feedback from the bag-valve-mask (BVM) emergency narration guided instrument (BENGI), a handheld manual ventilation guidance device, on improving performance and safety, immediately and 2 weeks after, with no additional manual ventilation training. In a crossover manikin simulation study with 20 participants, BENGI immediately and significantly improved tidal volume and respiratory rate accuracy. Results: Intraand inter-participant variations were lower with BENGI, with Poincaré plot analysis showing improved performance that remained for at least 2 weeks following BENGI training. Conclusion: BENGI's audiovisual feedback improves manual immediately and persistently, making it invaluable for training and clinical use in diverse scenarios, from battlespace to civilian emergencies.

Keywords: ventilator; emergency; simulation; lung; tidal volume; monitoring

PMID: 39285506

DOI: 76GQ-GSCK

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Military Medical Student Specialty Preferences During the DHA Transition: A Retrospective Analysis

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Brooke ZS, Husson CM, Watkin RL, Swats K, Moran NA, Raiciulescu S, Witkop CT, Durning SJ. 24(3). 18 - 23. (Journal Article)

Abstract

Background: The Military Health System is a unique subsector within the nation's Graduate Medical Education (GME), with a different incentive structure for specialty selection for military medical students compared with their civilian counterparts. Changes by the Defense Health Agency (DHA) in 2017 emphasized a shift in military GME to training "operational" medical specialties. This study sought to gain insight into military medical students' reactions to the 2017 DHA transition by examining whether students continued to select "operational" specialties at similar rates as well as whether students remained satisfied with attending medical school. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of Uniformed Services University (USU) post-match students from 2015 to 2020 using anonymized data from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Graduation Questionnaire, separated into pre-DHA (2015-2017) and post-DHA (2018-2020) transition groups. Results: Regarding both intent to practice an operational specialty and satisfaction with choosing medical school, there was no statistically significant difference between the preand post-DHA transition groups. Conclusions: Whether preor post-DHA transition, USU medical students demonstrated similar preferences for operational specialties as well as similar levels of satisfaction with medical school attendance, suggesting that this transition may not significantly influence medical students' career preferences nor blunt their desire to enter military medicine.

Keywords: military medicine; medical education; Defense Health Agency; military medical students; Uniformed Services University; Graduate Medical Education; internship and residency

PMID: 39243404

DOI: IE0C-FFK0

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Rethinking Prehospital Response to Mass Casualty Events: Move, Treat, and Transport

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Rush S, Lauria MJ, DeSoucy ES, Koch EJ, Kamler JJ, Remley MA, Alway N, Brodie F, Barendregt P, Miller K, Hines R, Champagne M, Paladino L, Shackelford SA, Miles EA, Dorlac WC, Gurney J, Robb D, Kue RC. 24(3). 24 - 29. (Journal Article)

Abstract

Herein, we present a simplified approach to prehospital mass casualty event (MASCAL) management called "Move, Treat, and Transport." Prior publications demonstrate a disconnect between MASCAL response training and actions taken during real-world incidents. Overly complex algorithms, infrequent training on their use, and chaotic events all contribute to the low utilization of formal triage systems in the real world. A review of published studies on prehospital MASCAL management and a recent series of military prehospital MASCAL responses highlight the need for an intuitive MASCAL management system that accounts for expected resource limitations and tactical constraints. "Move, Treat, and Transport" is a simple and pragmatic approach that emphasizes speed and efficiency of response; considers time, tactics, and scale of the event; and focuses on interventions and evacuation to definitive care if needed.

Keywords: MASCAL; mass casualty incident; prehospital care; triage; emergency preparedness

PMID: 39271298

DOI: X38F-P3RH

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Tactical Psychiatric Care: Proposed Guideline

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Bollinger JW. 24(3). 32 - 36. (Journal Article)

Abstract

There is no concise guideline on how to manage a full range of emergency psychiatric conditions that are likely to be encountered on the battlefield. This article examines the best practices on how to best assess and treat suicidality, psychosis, agitation, malingering, and combat stress reactions in accordance with multiple clinical practice guidelines. The result is a proposed model for battlefield emergency psychiatric care.

Keywords: ICOVER; PIES; combat stress reaction; agitation; suicidality; clinical practice guideline; psychosis; mania; malingering; medical evacuation

PMID: 39317405

DOI: 78DD-BB0Y

REBOA Use in a Medicalized Prehospital Setting Proposal for a First Protocol Based on the Delphi Method

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Thabouillot O, Jouffroy R, Jost D, Beaume S, Derkenne C, Kedzierewicz R, Travers S, Horer TM, Prunet B. 24(3). 37 - 42. (Journal Article)

Abstract

Background: The resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) technique controls abdominal, pelvic, junctional, and postpartum hemorrhage via aortic endoclamping. There are no protocols or clear indications guiding REBOA use in a two-tiered prehospital emergency medical system, as found in France. We conducted a Delphi study to clarify the indications and contraindications for REBOA application in such a system. Methods: We performed a Delphi study in three rounds with an international group of doctors with REBOA expertise and clinical experience (members of the EndoVascular and Trauma Management Society). Based on the consensus answers, complemented by existing data in the literature, we developed a protocol for REBOA use in a medicalized prehospital setting. Results: We identified 10 questions that were not answered in the literature and submitted them to 21 experts. Over three rounds, consensus was reached on these 10 questions. The most important ones were "In your opinion, in a hemorrhagic patient, vascularly well-filled and whose hemodynamics remain unstable with 3mg/h of norepinephrine, should we inflate a REBOA to prevent the patients death and get them to the operating room alive?" and "In the case of REBOA placement (zone I) in the prehospital setting, would you agree that the maximum occlusion duration is approximately 30 minutes, with a partial or intermittent occlusion when possible?" Conclusion: We propose a protocol for REBOA use in a medicalized prehospital setting. This protocol clarifies that hemorrhagic shock, despite a noradrenaline (also known as norepinephrine) dose of 0.6µg/kg/min, is considered too serious for the patient to be transported to the trauma center without REBOA. Moreover, it clarifies that a zone 1 REBOA should be inflated for maximum 30 minutes and with a partial occlusion strategy, if possible. This protocol should be updated based on feedback following the establishment of prehospital REBOA and large randomized studies.

Keywords: REBOA; hemmorhagic shock; trauma, protocol; out-of-hospital; DELPHI survey

PMID: 39172916

DOI: KR4W-7EKM

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The Effect of Radiological Assessment of Volunteers for French Paratrooper Training: A Five-Year Retrospective Study

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Montagnon R, Rouffilange L, Wagnon G, Balasoupramanien K, Texier G, Aigle L. 24(3). 44 - 48. (Journal Article)

Abstract

Introduction: A systematic radiological examination is needed for military airborne troops in order to detect subclinical medical contraindications for airborne training. Many potential recruits are excluded because of scoliosis, kyphosis, or spondylolisthesis. This study aimed to determine whether complementary radiological assessment excludes too many recruits and whether medical standards might be lowered without increasing medical risk to appointees. Methods: This retrospective, epidemiological, cross-sectional single-center study spanned 5 years at the French paratroopers' initial training center. We analyzed all medical files and full-spine X-ray results of all enlisted troops during this period. Secondary evaluation by an orthopedic surgeon enabled 23 enlisted personnel, deemed medically unacceptable because of X-ray findings, to be given waivers for airborne training. A follow-up review of their 23 files was conducted to determine whether static-line parachute jumps were hazardous to those who were initially declared medically unacceptable. Results: Of the 3,993 full-spine X-rays, 67.5% (2,695) were described as having normal alignment and structure; 21.8% (871) had lateral spinal deviation; and 10.7% (427) had scoliosis. Sixty-six recruits (1.6%) were deemed unfit because of findings that did not meet the standard on the fullspine X-ray: 53 enlisted personnel had scoliosis greater than 15°, and 13 had spondylolisthesis (grade II or III). Of the 23 patients granted waivers, 82.3% with scoliosis (14) and all patients with kyphosis had not declared any back pain after 5 years. Conclusion: The findings, supported by a literature review of foreign military data, suggest that spondylolisthesis above grade I and low back pain are more significant than scoliosis and kyphosis for establishing airborne standards.

Keywords: military medicine; airborne; scoliosis; kyphosis; spondylolisthesis

PMID: 39243403

Self-Described Training Needs of Special Operations Forces Medics and the Birth of the TACMED Division

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Yue I, Allen DS, Chung J, Ruppert A, Papalski WN, Sons N, Zarow GJ, Good CJ, Devenny LE, Cady HJ, Sonntag EM, Adams RC, Hildreth AL. 24(3). 49 - 57. (Journal Article)

Abstract

Training needs of Special Operations Forces (SOF) medics were surveyed and new training initiatives have been created to meet their needs. SOF medics perform an array of medical procedures in austere environments with minimal supervision. Medical skills decay over time after initial training and the perceived training needs of active SOF medics were unclear. To fill this gap, active SOF medics (n=57) completed a survey that included confidence ratings and indications of whether additional training would make them more proficient in 70 medical knowledge and procedural skills, assembled into categories by a panel of experts (airway, trauma, neuro, differential diagnosis, administrative, infection, critical care, environmental, other). Data were analyzed with analysis of variance (ANOVA) and nonparametric statistics at P<.05. Confidence was highest in the trauma, administrative, and airway categories, and lowest in the infection, differential diagnosis, and neuro categories (P<.05 or less). Categories indicating the greatest need for additional training were environmental and critical care, while those indicating lowest need were the airway and trauma categories (P=.05). Additional training was endorsed by >75% of participants in each category. SOF medics also wanted additional training in all areas, preferably hands-on with live patients in realistic scenarios, taught by experienced medics. Findings highlight the training needs of SOF medics and demonstrate the value of bottom-up feedback toward optimizing sustainment training. Based on present findings, two TACMED (Tactical Medicine) Divisions at the SOF Echelon III level were created to meet the sustainment training needs of SOF medics

Keywords: special warfare; Special Operations; advanced tactical provider; medical sustainment program; medical training; TACMED

PMID: 39288031

DOI: TUHL-7Z28

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Winston Churchill's Mother and the Inked Operator: Health Risks and Biokinetics of Tattoo Inks

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Gielas A. 24(3). 58 - 61. (Journal Article)

Abstract

Tattooing is an ancient art form widely practiced among Special Operations Forces (SOF) personnel. The ink injected into skin tissue during tattooing often contains various compounds, including impurities and contaminants, which can pose health risks. This article provides an overview of recent research to inform SOF medical personnel about the potential health implications of both new and older tattoos.

Keywords: tattoo; ink pigments; risks; allergies; infection; inflammation; sarcoidosis; lymphoma

PMID: 39243405

DOI: CC3F-YNW2

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Limitations of Triage in Military Mass Casualty Response: A Case Series

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Rush S, Lauria MJ, DeSoucy ES, Koch EJ, Kamler JJ, Remley MA, Alway N, Brodie F, Foudrait A, Barendregt P, Atkins M, Miller K, Hines R, Champagne M, Paladino L, Shackelford SA, Miles EA, Obiajulu J, Dorlac WC, Gurney J, Robb D, Kue RC. 24(3). 62 - 66. (Case Reports)

Abstract

Introduction: Mass casualty events (MASCALs) in the combat environment, which involve large numbers of casualties that overwhelm immediately available resources, are fundamentally chaotic and dynamic and inherently dangerous. Formal triage systems use diagnostic algorithms, colored markers, and four or more named categories. We hypothesized that formal triage systems are inadequately trained and practiced and too complex to successfully implement in true MASCAL events. This retrospective analysis evaluates the real-world application of triage systems in prehospital military MASCALs and other aspects of MASCAL management. Methods: We surveyed Special Operations Forces (SOF) medics known to us who have participated in military prehospital MASCALs and analyzed them. Aggregated data describing the scope of the incidents, the use of formal triage algorithms and colored markers, the number of categories, and the interventions on scene were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and lessons learned were consolidated. Results: From 1996 to 2022 we identified 29 MASCALs that were managed by military medics in the prehospital setting. There was a median of three providers (range 1-85) and 15 casualties (range 6-519) per event. Four or more formal triage categories were used in only one event. Colored markers and formal algorithms were not used. Life-saving interventions were performed in 27 of 29 (93%) missions and blood transfusions were performed in four (17%) MASCALs. The top lessons learned were: 1) security and accountability are cornerstones of MASCAL management; 2) casualty movement is a priority; 3) intuitive triage categories are the default; 4) life-saving interventions are performed as time and tactics permit. Conclusion: Formal triage systems requiring the use ofdiagnostic algorithms, colored tags, and four or five categories are seldom implemented in real-world military prehospital MASCAL management. The training of field triage should be simplified and pragmatic, as exemplified by these instances.

Keywords: mass casualty management; triage; MASCAL; survey; SOF medics

PMID: 39172917

DOI: 0GO5-QW03

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Limb Hemorrhage Control Failure with Counterfeit Tourniquet: A Ukrainian War MEDEVAC Case Report

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Lagazzi E, Bublii R, Bonetti M, Samotowka MA. 24(3). 67 - 69. (Journal Article)

Abstract

Rapid and effective tourniquet application is crucial in life-threatening limb hemorrhage to minimize mortality. However, the widespread availability of counterfeit tourniquets is a growing concern, as these devices may lack essential quality control measures, potentially compromising patient care. We describe one case where the delayed mechanical failure of a Combat Application Tourniquet (CAT)-like tourniquet caused the death of a Ukrainian soldier during evacuation to an urban trauma center. In April 2022, a 19-year-old male underwent a bilateral below-the-knee amputation from an antipersonnel landmine. Massive hemorrhage prompted the use of bilateral CAT-like tourniquets. During transportation, the right tourniquet's windlass broke, resulting in a brisk hemorrhage. Due to the high patient-to-healthcare-personnel ratio, the bleeding remained unaddressed for an unknown amount of time, resulting in death from hemorrhagic shock. This study underscores the need for robust quality control measures and the establishment of strict regulations against deploying counterfeit tourniquets to avoid preventable deaths.

Keywords: tourniquet; MEDEVAC; Ukraine; limb hemorrhage; prehospital care

PMID: 39276363

DOI: 60U2-4ATN

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Sandfly Fever

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Jarvis J. 24(3). 70 - 73. (Journal Article)

Abstract

Biting sandflies are known for transmitting leishmaniasis, but sandflies also transmit sandfly fever viruses that may disrupt military operations. Sandfly fever is caused by serotypes of the Phlebovirus genus (primarily the Naples, Sicilian, or Toscana serotypes). The illness is known colloquially as "three-day fever" and "papataci fever." The clinical course of the disease normally spans about 3 days, with patients exhibiting a prodromal phase consisting of fatigue, chills, abdominal pain, and possibly facial flushing and tachycardia. Disease onset is marked by hyperpyrexia, myalgia, and arthralgia. The incubation period is typically 3-5 days, with viremia in humans lasting typically less than 1 week. This manuscript describes sandfly appearance, behavior, and geographic distribution. It then lists comparable diseases for differential diagnosis. Finally, as no vaccine exists for the sandfly virus, it concludes with steps for preparation and prevention to prevent outbreaks from disrupting military operations.

Keywords: pappataci fever; sandfly fever; phlebovirus; infectious diseases; arbovirus

PMID: 39276371

DOI: RQN6-Z2FS

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Vascular Repair in Wartime Casualties

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Younce W, Anderson J, Kronstedt S, Johannigman J. 24(3). 75 - 78. (Journal Article)

Abstract

In the third installment of the "Lest We Forget" series, the authors discuss a critical advance-vascular repair, pioneered by Dr. Carl Hughes-in the care of the war-wounded during the Korean War. This article reviews the management of large vessel injuries in wartime, the challenges and advances in military medicine during the Korean War, and the application of these lessons to current practices.

Keywords: Lest We Forget; vascular repair; military medicine

PMID: 39243402

DOI: QIKQ-DYF9

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Prolonged Care for Presumed Typhoid Encephalitis in Indonesia

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Berrios I, Carius BM, Vaughn NA, Dobbe L. 24(3). 79 - 83. (Journal Article)

Abstract

Despite advancements in military medical treatment and evacuation, soldiers in austere environments remain vulnerable to disease and non-battle injury and may face prolonged evacuation before receiving definitive care. In particular, arranging care for a soldier presenting with a conditions that has a wide differential diagnosis, such as acute altered mental status (AMS), can be especially challenging. We highlight the case of an otherwise young, healthy U.S. Soldier serving in Indonesia, who presented with acute AMS concerning for undifferentiated infection. Subsequent workup at the receiving hospital following evacuation revealed Salmonella enterica infection, more commonly known as typhoid. However, even with clinical findings of typhoid encephalitis and initiation of empiric treatment, medical care proved challenging in the resource-limited local facilities, despite multiple escalations of care. Ultimately, the patient was evacuated to a tertiary facility in Singapore, where his condition improved, and 4 days after initial presentation the patient had no definitive findings of infections on lumbar puncture. This case not only highlights the threat of typhoid and other infectious diseases in modern operations but also the challenges of suboptimal medical care in both the prehospital and hospital settings when utilizing host nation facilities.

Keywords: altered mental status; prolonged casualty care; MEDEVAC; infectious diseases; optimal medical care, encephalitis; PCC

PMID: 39312288

DOI: ZT3K-NCN3

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Social Determinant of Unconventional Resilience: Tactical Engagement in Medical-Martial Creativity

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Jeschke EA, Armon J, Wyma-Bradley J, Baker JB, Dorsch J, Huffman SL. 24(3). 84 - 89. (Journal Article)

Abstract

Building on our strategic framework and operational model, we will discuss findings from our ethnographic study entitled, "The Impact of Catastrophic Injury Exposure on Resilience in Special Operations Surgical Teams (SOST)." Our goal is to establish that medical-martial creativity supports Special Operation Forces (SOF) medics' ability to fluidly modulate pressure amid real-time military medical decision-making in austere environments. We will use qualitative quotes to explore how SOST medics express medical-martial creativity in support of unconventional resilience. We continue to highlight tactical engagement by using bag sets as a metaphor for understanding the practical performance of this social determinant. To achieve our goals, we will: 1) define the social determinant of medical-martial creativity and provide a brief background on creativity; 2) thematize various ways in which medical-martial creativity is optimized or degraded; and 3) relate tactical engagement with medical-martial creativity to our metaphor of bag sets. We conclude by gesturing to how medical-martial creativity enables SOF medics' ingenuity, which allows them to freely maneuver complex real-time decision-making to support SOF mission success.

Keywords: unconventional resilience; social determinant; martial; creativity; practical performance; SOF medic

PMID: 39285505

DOI: DEK2-DD7J

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Use of Loco-regional Anesthesia in Austere Environments: A Review by and for Special Forces Medics

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Anonymous A, Hetzler MR. 24(3). 90 - 93. (Journal Article)

Abstract

Special Forces increasingly operate in austere environments, which are known to have limited medical support and prolonged evacuation times. On the battlefield, pain remains the first complaint of casualties and can impact direct autonomic stability, recovery, and the development of posttraumatic stress disorder. Although medical education has been improving, medical providers still encounter difficulties, such as lack of human and material resources, while trying to achieve pain management. This article summarizes a survey sent to 35 Special Operations medical providers and suggests possible strategies to address challenges to pain management on the battlefield. Potential solutions have been gathered through medical texts, medical/NATO documents, and medical expertise. Nerves blocks have been identified as valuable tools for pain management in the current battlefield environment, where prolonged evacuation and limited freedom of movement are the norm. The survey showed that, although the vast majority of providers had already received lectures on regional anesthesia, 83% were not trained in it, and 54% had never been made aware of multimodal analgesia. This lack of familiarity highlights knowledge and training gaps in nerve block techniques. Diffusion blocks are a very low-risk, useful, and safe pain management technique, which requires less skill sustainment and resources than more complex techniques. The use of epinephrine as adjunct can be useful for decreasing local anesthetic toxicity and increasing long-term pain management. The need for both education on and training in the use of nerve blocks has been identified by the Special Operations health provider community.

Keywords: Special Operations Forces; regional anesthesia; multimodal analgesia; local anesthetics; nerve block; hybrid warfare; unconventional warfare; prolonged casualty care

PMID: 39317406

DOI: YUZF-3SF0

Special Operations Medical Association Training, Education & Scientific Assembly 2024: Recognized Research Track Abstracts

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Houser AP, Soto MA, Bell KS, Goldberg PG, Cronin KJ, Caldwell RC, Schilling BK, Bebarta VS, Ritter A, Small E, Eazor J, Getz T, Anderson A, Musi M, Miner T, Keenan S, Reno E, Giesbrect G, Comart C, Vallin T, Lemery J, Eisenhauer IF, Irons P, Treager CD, Spivey D, Gonzalez F, Stuart SM, Lopachin T, Gower L, Sheldon D, Friedrich EE, Lassiter B, Piehl M, Broome JM, Dransfield T, Marino M, Duchesne J. 24(3). 94 - 96. (Classical Conference)

PMID: 39292948

DOI: BKC3-PW0B