Page 11 - JSOM Winter 2023

personnel who deploy frequently and may be assigned to U.S.
embassies in countries with access to sophisticated neurotech-
nology. Biological, chemical, and directed energy neuroweap-
ons are discussed.

Bluetooth Tactical Headsets Improve the Speed of Accurate
Patient Handoffs: Stinner and colleagues studied 24 simulated
tactical patient handoffs to compare Bluetooth and traditional
methods of communication used in tactical medical evacu-
ation. They found that Bluetooth headsets resulted in faster
patient handoffs without sacrificing accuracy and reduced the Setup for tourniquet
time to further medical treatment. Bluetooth communication testing.
was also rated as the preferred method of communication by
all study participants.

Effectiveness of Sternal Intraosseous Device in Patients
Presenting with Circulatory Shock: A Retrospective Obser-
vational Study: Understanding that sternal intraosseous ac-
cess facilitates the administration of products and adjunctive
therapies into the central circulation while avoiding several
potential impeded locations, Hynes and colleagues report
on a retrospective review to investigate the efficacy of ster-
nal-IO access in civilian trauma care. Between October 2020 Association of Physical Domain Participation with POTFF
to June 2021, 9 patients with gunshot injuries received either Domains in Special Forces Operators: In this cross-sectional
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a TALON or a FAST1 sternal-IO device at a large urban study of active Special Forces Operators assigned to the United
quaternary academic medical center. Patient data showed that States Army Special Operations Command, Nelson and col-
access was successful in nearly 80% of attempts. These find- leagues analyzed the results of physical testing, blood draws,
ings can inform combat casualty care.
and questionnaires to evaluate the effectiveness of the physical
domain (PD) to improve performance in all the Preservation
of the Force and Family (POTFF) domains (physical, psycho-
logical, social/family, and spiritual). Overall, the authors found
that PD and psychological domain metrics were most associ-
ated with PD participation, which is consistent with the goals
of the PD. Participants also reported high satisfaction with the
PD program in improving readiness.
EDITORIAL
Time for the Department of Defense to Field Video Laryn-
goscopy Across the Battlespace: In response to a multicenter
study that established the superiority of video laryngoscopy
Images of TALON IO and FAST1 IO devices. for patients requiring emergent tracheal intubation, Schauer
and colleagues argue that hat video laryngoscopy should be
available in all treatment areas with intubation capability.
3D-Printed Tourniquets Used at the Battlefront in Ukraine: A
Pilot Study: Melau and colleagues tested 3D-printed tourni- They assert that this technology represents a prudent stop-gap
quets, currently used in the war in Ukraine, against commercially that the U.S. military must implement before the next conflict
available, recommended tourniquets. Using a compressive cylin- to ensure adequate contracting, logistical support, and fielding.
der model, the researchers observed that the 3D-printed tourni- ONGOING SERIES
quets maintained pressure as well as the commercially available THE WORLD OF SPECIAL OPERATIONS MEDICINE
ones and even maintained significantly higher pressures.
5th Combat Medical Care Conference, 5 and 6 July 2023

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