Journal of the Royal Naval Medical Service
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Musculoskeletal pain is a common presentation in military patients. If not managed effectively it can have a detrimental effect on both the individual and the ship/unit. This article aims to examine how to thoroughly assess a military patient presenting with acute musculoskeletal pain; to provide the practitioner with a framework for effective pain history taking, and to help identify and exclude rare but serious causes of pain - 'red and yellow flag concepts'. Key management steps and appropriate interventions for managing acute, benign musculoskeletal pain are discussed and related to the varying environmients where the patient may be encountered.
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Due to the nature of IED injuries, during the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan The traditional, two-stage amputation for unsalvageable combat lower limb injuries has evolved into a strategy of serial debridement and greater use of plastic surgical techniques in order to preserve residual limb length. This study aimed to characterise the current treatment of lower limb loss with particular focus on the impact of specific wound infections. ⋯ A final more proximal amputation level was required in 21 stumps (30%). Recovery of A. hydrophillia from wounds was significantly associated with a requirement for a more proximal amputation level (p=0.0038) and greater number of debridements (p=0.0474) when compared to residual limb wounds withoutA. hydrophillia.
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Pre-hospital emergency care (PHEC) in the military has undergone major changes during the last 10 years of warfighting in the land environment. Providing this care in the maritime environment presents several unique challenges. This paper examines the clinical capabilities required of a PHEC team in the maritime environment and how this role can be fulfilled as part of Role 2 Afloat. It applies to Pre-hospital emergency care projected from a hospital not to General Duties Medical Officers at Role 1.