Page 136 - JSOM Winter 2024

FIGURE 3 Opening of the event with a welcome from ISTC. • Improving SOST Execution: MAJ Griet Vermeulen dis-
cussed the Belgian SOST framework in the context of its
flexibility and success in facilitating Special Operations
through damage control surgery and intensive care.

Future Iterations
The 2024 NSOCM Symposium served to recommit the ISTC
to continuously improve the capability of the global SOF med-
ical community. The synergy of the event, through an empha-
sis on collaboration, innovation, and adaptability, has set a
benchmark for integrating science and operational excellence
in combat medicine.

We are proud to announce that the next NSOCM Symposium
will be held from 3 to 7 November 2025 in Pfullendorf, Ger-
many, as part of the ISTC Symposium. It is our assurance that
this coming event will continue the tradition of excellence and
event in Afghanistan (2021) to include teamwork, system bring together the brightest minds in the field of Special Op-
integration, and the requirement for rehearsed MASCAL erations medicine to tackle emerging challenges head-on and
management. share groundbreaking insights.
• Challenges of Combat in Ukraine: Michael Turconi presented
an in-depth analysis of the frontline medical reality in We invite all professionals in the field to join us in 2025 and
Ukraine, including discussion of the misuse of tourniquets help shape the future of combat medicine. For more informa-
and calls for updated evacuation protocols in light of evolv- tion and to register, stay tuned to the ISTC NSOCM Sympo-
ing dynamics of warfare and training in tourniquet conver- sium 2025 Signal chat (QR code in Figure 4). Together, we
sion in modern conflicts. can ensure that NSOCMs will continue to be at the fore-
front of medical readiness in today’s dynamic operational
Medical Instrument and Methodology Development environments.
Innovative approaches to battlefield medicine took center stage,
showing once again the importance of adaptability in Special
Operations, including: FIGURE 4 Logo
and QR code to
stay tuned with
• Methoxyflurane for Pain Management: OR-4 David Mars- the upcoming
land spoke about this opioid-free, self-administered anal- ISTC NSOCM
gesic, positioning the drug as a useful alternative for SOF Symposium 2025.
units.
• Combating Opioid Threats: LTC Daniel Redmer spoke
about the growing threat of synthetic opioids, such as Acknowledgments
carfentanil, and the need for better personal protective The authors sincerely thank all speakers and participants of
equipment, naloxone stockpiling, and revised protocols to the ISTC NSOCM Symposium 2024 for their valuable contri-
minimize risks. butions and engaging discussions. Their expertise and collab-
• Orthopedic Interventions in Combat: COL Daniel J. Stin- oration have greatly enriched the event, advancing innovation
ner discussed the high incidence of orthopedic trauma in in Special Operations medical care.
combat and outlined best practices for the stabilization of
fractures and management of compartment syndrome. Author Contributions
OC, JP, AP, SS, JG, JH, MRH and MAB participated in event
Strategic and Legal Considerations planning and conduction. OC drafted the manuscript, JP, AP,
SS, JG, JH, MRH and MAB revised it.
The symposium examined more deeply the systemic barriers
facing the NSOCM community, including: Disclosures
The authors have nothing to disclose.
• Harmonizing Medical-Legal Standards: LT Lorenzo Prodan
pointed out the differences among NATO member countries Funding
in the recognition of NSOCMs as health professionals and No funding was received for this work.
urged harmonized policies for better training and opera-
tional uniformity. PMID: 39661464; DOI: 10.55460/Z3SV-E4YW

134 | JSOM Volume 24, Edition 4 / Winter 2024