Military medicine
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The optimum method for training military personnel for combat casualty care is unknown. In particular, there is debate regarding the incremental benefit of live animal tissue training (LTT) over inanimate human patient simulators (HPSs). Although both LTT and HPS are currently used for predeployment training, the efficacy of these models has not been established. ⋯ Military medical organizations should consider judiciously incorporating LTT with human patient simulation training to prepare combat medics for treating battlefield trauma.
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The use and abuse of alcohol among active duty personnel is well documented in the research literature. Over the last decade rates of heavy and excessive drinking within the military have increased significantly, coinciding with both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The heavy use of alcohol by military personnel can be attributed to multiple factors such as the psychosocial and environmental stressors of military life and is frequently linked to mental health issues, the transient nature of the armed forces, the number and length of deployments, and exposure to life-threatening situations in combat environments. However, it is also likely rates of heavy alcohol use in the military are influenced by the possibility that individuals who already drink heavily choose to enlist in the armed services. The purpose of the present study was to test the association between drinking in emerging adulthood and military enlistment in a nationally representative sample of participants. ⋯ These findings demonstrate limited support for a relationship between alcohol consumption and military service. For men who drink, choosing military service may be influenced by the culture of drinking within the armed services. However, given the limited support found in the present study for a link between drinking in emerging adulthood and military service, the current high use of alcohol among active duty personnel is likely influenced by socialization processes within the military as well as from the stress of increased deployments to life-threatening combat situations. These results have important implications for informing policy and prevention programs within the armed services to improve both the short-term and long-term success of military service members.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
The Use of the Abdominal Aortic and Junctional Tourniquet During Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Following Traumatic Cardiac Arrest in Swine.
Standard cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is ineffective in treating traumatic cardiac arrest (TCA) following hemorrhagic shock despite fluid resuscitation. CPR adjuncts, including abdominal compressions and external counter pressure, have shown some success in laboratory settings. The Abdominal Aortic and Junctional Tourniquet (AAJT) is a device that occludes both venous and arterial blood at the level of the aortic bifurcation and likely increases thoracic pressure when applied to the abdomen. We developed a swine model of controlled hemorrhage to induce a state of TCA to test the ability of the AAJT to improve the efficacy of CPR. ⋯ These results suggest that the AAJT could allow for increased CPR efficacy in cases of TCA when used in conjunction with rapid, massive blood transfusions.
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Little is known about the impact of MST on chronic pain conditions among female Veterans. The primary objective of this study was to compare the prevalence of chronic pain conditions among U.S. female veterans with a history of military sexual trauma (MST) to those without a history of MST. We anticipated that female Veterans with a history of MST would have higher associations with chronic pain conditions than the female Veterans without a history of MST. ⋯ A history of MST is associated with chronic pain diagnoses. Weaknesses of this study are those applicable to analyses of any retrospective database study. Specifically, the data are limited by the accuracy of physician coding and reporting. The strength of this study is that it represents a comprehensive, retrospective evaluation of potential sources for chronic pain within the female veteran population. In summary, we found that female veteran survivors of MST face an increased burden of chronic pain, including a broad range of pain conditions independent of the psychological effects of MST.
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Rates of overweight and obesity among Active Duty Military Personnel remain high despite fitness test requirements, negative consequences of fitness test failure, and emphasis on weight and appearance standards. Specific motivating factors for weight loss influence weight loss program interest and often differ by gender, race, ethnicity, or age. This study investigates the weight loss motivations endorsed by a diverse population of Active Duty Military Personnel initiating a behavioral weight loss study, to inform the development of future recruitment efforts and program development. ⋯ We conclude that overweight and obese Military Personnel are motivated by various reasons to engage in weight loss, including their military physical fitness test. Findings may assist the development of recruitment efforts or motivationally focused intervention materials for weight loss interventions tailored for the diverse population of Active Duty Military Personnel.