Journal of Military and Veteran's Health - JMVH

E4: The medical effects of non-lethal weapons. A review by Andrew Robertson

This article by Dr Andrew Robertson, titled "The medical effects of non-lethal weapons. A review," explores the physiological and psychological impacts of various non-lethal weapon systems increasingly used by police and military forces worldwide. It examines effects including blunt trauma, eye damage, auditory effects, electrophysiological disruption, and toxicological/pharmaceutical responses caused by weapons like rubber bullets, lasers, stun grenades, and chemical agents. The author highlights the need for further research to fully understand both short-term and long-term consequences and notes that the definition and classification of these weapons remain somewhat unclear, raising questions about their legality.

Article Link: https://jmvh.org/article/https-doi-ds-org-doilink-03-2023-16296764-jmvh-vol-6-no-1/ 

E3: The Australian Defence Force Medical Specialist Program: Past, Present and Future by A J Mahoney, M Reade, I Young, B Butson, A Storey, K Bender

This is a podcast adaptation of the original article by authors A J Mahoney, M Reade, I Young, B Butson, A Storey, and K Bender.

Providing high-quality medical care to deployed Australian Defence Force personnel is critical, and this capability relies significantly on specialist clinicians. Historically, the ADF depended largely on Reserve specialists, but recognised limitations in guaranteeing immediate availability for short-notice or prolonged operations. To address this, the ADF has evolved its approach, culminating in the Medical Specialist Program (MSP). This program aims to build a robust, high-readiness permanent force specialist capability to ensure critical medical expertise is available whenever and wherever needed. The provided sources offer insights into the fascinating journey of the MSP, from its inception and the challenges faced during its early years, such as recruitment imbalances and unclear career paths, to its contemporary structure which integrates specialists within civilian health services to maintain their clinical skills. Learn about the strategic importance of military medicine, the complexities of balancing civilian integration with military readiness, and the ongoing efforts to refine the MSP to meet the evolving operational health requirements of the ADF.

 

Article Link: https://jmvh.org/article/the-australian-defence-force-medical-specialist-program-past-present-and-future/ 

Author Interview - Neil Westphalen

Neil Westphalen is a frequent contributor to the Journal of Military and Veterans Health and in this podcast he discusses his career in the RAN as a medical officer and his interest in military medical history and the evolution of naval medicine in particular. Since retiring from the RAN  Neil is pursuing full time study with the aim  aim of gaining a PhD in History  from UNSW@CANBERRA. As part of this podcast he describes the differences in battle casualties experienced by the British Army and the Royal Navy in WW1and their differing approach to casualty evacuation as a consequence of the environment in which such casualties were sustained

Centenary of the Air Force

Associate Professor Martin Richardson, Deputy Editor of the JMVH, talks with GPCAPT Geoffrey Robinson, President of the Australasian Military Medicine Association, about the Centenary of the Air Force.