Journal of the Royal Army Medical Corps
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Psychological injury has been associated with military service, and this can result in a variety of mental health symptoms and disorders. A range of barriers to help-seeking have been identified in the military and mental health services have sought to address such factors through effective and efficient care and consultation. The use of eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing forms part of a repertoire of trauma-focused therapies within the UK's Armed Forces. This article will outline the application of this approach within the British military, along with the role of specialist clinical supervision in treating those affected by operational trauma.
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The Department of Communication and Applied Behavioural Science is one of the three departments in the academic faculty at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. The aim of the Department is to equip officer cadets with the skills, knowledge and personal qualities in order for them to develop their own potential, as both individuals and leaders in the British Army. The members of the Department have a range of backgrounds, with most having served in various capacities across UK Defence, both in uniformed and/or civilian crown servant contexts. ⋯ This paper provides a brief overview of the activities undertaken by the Department, with a specific focus on the psychology components of the academic and applied activities. Although mainly serving in academic teaching roles, this paper illustrates the work of the psychologists outside the classroom, such as via field exercises and deployments overseas. It also touches on the importance of the outreach undertaken by the psychologists in the Department, which supports their ongoing research.
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Pelvic fractures, although infrequent, are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the trauma population. Currently, the mainstay of emergent management of a suspected pelvic fracture is placement of a pelvic binder, and their use in the prehospital setting is recommended for any individual involved in high-energy trauma. Obesity in the trauma patient has been shown to be an independent risk factor of morbidity and mortality, and the incidence of pelvic and lower extremity fractures has consistently demonstrated to be higher in the obese patient compared with an individual with a normal body habitus. This article aims to highlight the challenges associated with pelvic fracture in the obese population.
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The influence of rib impact on thoracic gunshot trauma remains unclear, despite its high occurrence. This study therefore investigates the effect of rib impact on a bullet's terminal properties and injury severity. ⋯ This study provides new insights into the role of rib impact in thoracic gunshot injuries, and indicates that the effects are ammunition dependent. Unlike the 5.56×45 mm rounds, rib impact with the 7.62×51 mm rounds increases the risk of severe wounding.
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The Reconstructive Trauma Surgery Fellowship is a based at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, and focuses on the multidisciplinary management of major trauma from presentation to discharge. It is unique to the UK in that it provides both management and leadership experience as well as operative surgical skills particularly in terms of reconstruction on complex trauma patients including those from the military. This paper describes the relevance of fellowships in modern surgical training, composition of the reconstructive trauma fellowship and the relevance for both civilian and military trainees.