Journal of Military and Veteran’s Health - JMVH

"Pathophysiology, treatment and aeromedical retrieval of SCUBA – related DCI" by Jeffrey Stephenson outlines the pathophysiology, treatment, and aeromedical transfer of SCUBA-related decompression illness, detailing how changes in pressure during underwater diving lead to nitrogen bubble formation and arterial gas embolisms. It explores the historical development of diving medicine, explaining foundational concepts established by researchers like Paul Bert and J.S. Haldane regarding gas uptake and decompression tables. The source thoroughly examines medical interventions, emphasizing the necessity of immediate first aid, administration of pure oxygen, and definitive therapy inside hyperbaric chambers. Furthermore, it addresses the complexities of patient transport, highlighting how flight stressors such as altitude and vibration can exacerbate symptoms during aeromedical retrieval. Finally, the article tackles various clinical controversies, including the occurrence of decompression sickness despite adherence to safety tables and the validity of treating divers who present long after symptom onset.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/pathophysiology-treatment-and-aeromedical-retrieval-of-scuba-related-dci/
#podcast #militarymedicine #AMMA #JMVH #veteranshealth #militaryhealth

"Pelvic Floor Health in Female Military Personnel: A Narrative Review" by S O'Shea evaluates pelvic floor health among female military personnel, highlighting how conditions such as urinary incontinence and genitourinary infections frequently affect servicewomen. The research underscores that rigorous physical training, heavy load carriage, and demanding deployments significantly increase the risk of pelvic floor dysfunction. Furthermore, female soldiers encounter distinct environmental, equipment, and cultural barriers that complicate proper hygiene management in austere settings. Servicewomen often rely on various self-management techniques, though some methods can inadvertently heighten their vulnerability to infections or dehydration. Ultimately, the literature emphasizes the critical need for tailored pre-deployment education and targeted organizational support to optimize the health and operational performance of female troops.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/pelvic-floor-health-in-female-military-personnel-a-narrative-review/
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100 Episodes of the JMVH podcast!  Thank you all so much for your continued support of our podcast, it really means a lot to us to have such devoted listeners.  For your 100th episode, we bring you.. "PROJECT CEREBRO: An Evaluation of Blast Gauges in the Australian Defence Force" by MAJ Steven Bennett MMS.  Project Cerebro evaluated the effectiveness of Blackbox Biometrics blast gauges worn by Australian Defence Force personnel to monitor exposure to explosive pressure waves. Researchers discovered that troops frequently encounter potential blast risks during non-operational military training rather than active combat assignments. Although soldiers generally accepted the wearable sensors, logistical hurdles and limited operational data constrained the overall evaluation of the pilot program. Consequently, the study advocates for continued sensor deployment and deeper international cooperation to improve future research on mild traumatic brain injury.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/project-cerebro-an-evaluation-of-blast-gauges-in-the-australian-defence-force/
#podcast #militarymedicine #AMMA #JMVH #veteranshealth #militaryhealth

"Psychological Development of Emerging Adults in the Military and transition to the civilian workforce" by CC HIcks, E Bell & D Gray examines how military service shapes the psychological growth and identity formation of young adults aged eighteen to twenty-five in the Australian Army. It highlights how rigorous basic training and strict regulations replace civilian backgrounds with a unified team mentality grounded in trust, loyalty, and shared values. Furthermore, the authors discuss how these structured military experiences foster important life skills, psychological wellbeing, and career progression. Despite these positive developmental impacts, the source emphasizes a lack of complete understanding regarding how veterans transition into the civilian workforce. Ultimately, the text calls for more comprehensive, mixed-method research to better comprehend the lived experiences of former service members and how their transferable skills apply to the modern economy.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/psychological-development-of-emerging-adults-in-the-military-and-transition-to-the-civilian-workforce/
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"The ability of seasonal and pandemic influenza to disrupt military operations" by Jon Hodge. Both seasonal and pandemic influenza pose a major operational threat to military forces by rapidly incapacitating large numbers of personnel through upper respiratory illness. Historically, massive outbreaks have severely strained medical facilities, grounded air crews, and forced the postponement of critical combat operations and training exercises. While public health interventions like quarantine and antiviral medications have limited utility in dynamic field settings, annual vaccination remains the primary defense strategy for protecting armed forces. However, achieving adequate population immunity is frequently hindered by logistical challenges, shifting viral strains, and low participation rates among troops. Consequently, military organizations now increasingly rely on mandated immunization policies and strong command leadership to maintain force readiness during viral outbreaks. 

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/the-ability-of-seasonal-and-pandemic-influenza-to-disrupt-military-operations/
#podcast #militarymedicine #AMMA #JMVH #veteranshealth #militaryhealth

"The medical effects of non-lethal weapons – a review" by A G Robertson. Non-lethal weapons are increasingly utilized by law enforcement and military organizations worldwide, creating a critical need to understand their physiological and psychological consequences. These specialized armaments generate a wide variety of physical impacts, ranging from blunt force trauma and auditory damage to electrophysiological disruption and toxicological reactions. Specific technologies like blinding lasers, stun grenades, and chemical irritants can cause everything from short-term disorientation to permanent physical impairment. Furthermore, these systems often trigger significant psychological distress and panic among targeted individuals or crowds. Ultimately, experts emphasize that despite their categorization, these devices carry inherent risks that require additional medical investigation and careful evaluation regarding international legal standards. 

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/the-medical-effects-of-non-lethal-weapons-a-review/
#podcast #militarymedicine #AMMA #JMVH #veteranshealth #militaryhealth

"Tropical Diseases of Military Importance: A Centennial Perspective" by Peter Leggatt examines the enduring threat that tropical and vector-borne diseases pose to military deployments and operations. The literature highlights how conditions such as malaria, arboviruses, leishmaniasis, and filariasis have historically impacted campaigns and continue to challenge defense health services. Furthermore, the text outlines the importance of preventive countermeasures, vaccinations, and vector control strategies in protecting personnel in endemic regions. In addition to infectious agents, the source addresses broader operational risks, including zoonotic illnesses, sexually transmitted infections, and bioterrorism threats. Finally, the overview emphasizes the necessity of managing non-infectious hazards like heat stroke, trauma, and environmental injuries during military exercises and missions.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/tropical-diseases-of-military-importance-a-centennial-perspective/
#podcast #militarymedicine #AMMA #JMVH #veteranshealth #militaryhealth

"Developing an Operational Skillset for Military Critical Care Physicians: A Scoping Review" by Adam Mahoney is a scoping review that identifies the unique clinical competencies and training requirements for military intensivists operating in deployed environments. While civilian critical care provides a foundation, military physicians must manage diverse challenges including combat-related blast injuries, pediatric trauma, and infectious diseases common to specific geographic regions. The source emphasizes that these specialists often work in austere settings with limited resources, necessitating skills in triage, point-of-care ultrasound, and ethical decision-making regarding host nation casualties. By analyzing historical patient data, the authors propose a core operational clinical skillset to bridge the gap between domestic practice and the demands of modern warfare. This framework serves as a guide for military commanders and medical officers to develop targeted training pathways that ensure readiness for future conflicts.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/developing-an-operational-skillset-for-military-critical-care-physicians-a-scoping-review/
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"Causes for Medical Downgrading in an Army Brigade (1): The Role of Corps" by Darrell Duncan investigates whether a soldier's specific occupational group, known as a Corps, influences the likelihood of being medically downgraded within the Australian Army’s 1st Brigade. By examining data from a year-long study, the author evaluates personnel using the Medical Employment Classification system to determine if certain roles face higher injury or illness risks. The findings reveal that Corps assignment is not a significant predictor for initial medical downgrading, likely because physical training standards remain consistent across various units. However, the study notes that recovery outcomes differ by group, as members of specific combat and support roles find it more difficult to return to full fitness. Ultimately, the source concludes that while the type of work does not necessarily cause more injuries, it may impact a soldier's ability to regain professional readiness.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/causes-for-medical-downgrading-in-an-army-brigade-1-the-role-of-corps/
#podcast #militarymedicine #AMMA #JMVH #veteranshealth #militaryhealth

"Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Adherence and Response to Cognitive Processing Therapy for Veterans Living with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and Obstructive Sleep Apnea" by Kristine Kunes investigates the relationship between Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) use and the success of Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) in veterans suffering from both PTSD and obstructive sleep apnea. Researchers conducted a retrospective review to determine if adhering to sleep apnea treatment led to a greater reduction in psychological symptoms compared to non-adherence. The results indicated that participants experienced significant improvements in PTSD and depression regardless of how consistently they used their breathing machines. While previous literature suggested that sleep disturbances could hinder recovery, this data shows that psychotherapy remains effective even for patients struggling with sleep apnea treatment. Consequently, the authors conclude that clinicians should continue providing intensive trauma-focused therapy to veterans even if they are not compliant with their sleep devices. The findings emphasize that although managing sleep health is important, it is not a prerequisite for achieving mental health gains through standard clinical interventions.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/continuous-positive-airway-pressure-adherence-and-response-to-cognitive-processing-therapy-for-veterans-living-with-post-traumatic-stress-disorder-and-obstructive-sleep-apnea/
#podcast #militarymedicine #AMMA #JMVH #veteranshealth #militaryhealth