Page 5 - Journal of Special Operations Medicine - Spring 2015

our current interest in “extended field care” for ca- images on their masks that symbolize themes such
sualty management with delayed evacuation times as death, physical pain, and patriotism. “Brain inju­
and compare that with the World War II guerrilla ries caused by blast events change soldiers in ways
hospitals. What goes around, comes around again, many can’t articulate. Some use art therapy, creat­
and reading about the first time prepares you for ing painted masks to express how they feel.”
the next time you see it! So, keep reading.”
In Part 2, “Blast Force—The Invisible War on the
In just the past year, Dr Farr has informed us of “Why Brain,” the author discusses brain trauma from
Civil Resistance Works,” “Secession as an Interna­ blast force. Theories on the effects of the primary
tional Phenomenon,” and “Germany’s blast range wildly: “Is it the
Secret War and the Hunt for the First shock wave’s entry to the brain
Terrorist Cell in America”; in this issue, through cranial ori fices—eyes,
he discusses “Insurgents, Raiders, and nose, ears, mouth—that causes
Bandits: How Masters of Irregular War­ injury, and if so, how? Or is exter­
fare Have Shaped Our World.” Enjoy nal shock pressure on the chest
his reviews, and then enjoy the books! channeled inside vasculature
up through the neck and into
n n n the brain? Does the transmis­
sion of complex wave activity
One topic of great importance to by the skull into the semiliquid
Servicemembers and healthcare pro­ brain cause an embolism? Does
viders alike is traumatic brain injury. pressure deform the skull, caus­
The JSOM frequently publishes the ing it to squeeze the brain? Is
latest research findings on this topic the explosive noise damaging?
and believes it is important to share The flash of light? The major­
information with its readers. The ity of Soldiers diagnosed with
February 2015 issue of The National Geographic blast­induced neurotrauma have also been hurled or
features a two­part multimedia presentation by rattled by blast wind. Is military neuro trauma, then,
Caroline Alex ander, with photographs and audio simply an exotic form of concussion?” Recent studies
by Lynn Johnson (available at http://www.national and results are presented.
geographic.com/healing­soldiers/).
References
In Part 1, “Behind the Mask—Revealing the Trauma 1. Peha S. What can you say about a book? http://www.ttms.org/
of War,” the author presents the stories of Service­ say_about_a_book/whats_a_book_review.htm.
members who are guided by art therapist Melissa 2. Lehman, S. Book reviewer tell­all: Dwight Garner on reading,
Walker at the National Intrepid Center of Excel­ reviewing, and avoiding blindess. 14 November 2014. http://
www.nytimes.com/times­insider/2014/11/14/book­reviewer­
lence, which is part of Walter Reed National Military tell­all­dwight­garner­on­reading­reviewing­and­avoiding­
Medical Center, in Bethesda, Maryland, to paint blindness/?_r=0.

n n n n n
This issue has three features presenting the latest guidelines and research on tourniquets.
This is an important topic; saving lives is the goal of every JSOM reader. We also have articles on topics
ranging from ultrasound to excited delirium syndrome, from decompression sickness to battlefield analgesia.
Our Ongoing Series cover mindfulness, S. sciuri infestation, MEDCAN–GRO, a painful rash,
abdominal pain, cutaneous leishmaniasis, and physical fitness. Our goal is to provide articles that
make a difference in the lives of our readers and of those to whom they provide care.

In This Issue iii