Journal of Military and Veteran’s Health - JMVH

"Combat Helmets and Blast Traumatic Brain Injury" by Duncan Wallace explores the evolution and efficacy of military helmets in protecting soldiers from traumatic brain injuries (TBI) caused by modern explosive devices. While historical designs prioritized defense against shrapnel and blunt force, current research examines how to mitigate the complex pressure waves produced by blasts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The author evaluates emerging technologies, such as ballistic materials capable of stopping rifle rounds and integrated helmet sensors that record concussive data for medical analysis. However, the text notes that increasing protection often adds weight and physical discomfort, which can discourage consistent use among personnel. Ultimately, the source emphasizes that future helmet development must find a functional balance between advanced trauma prevention and the practical needs of the soldier in the field.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/combat-helmets-and-blast-traumatic-brain-injury/
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"The Legacy of the Anaesthesia ‘Events’ at Pearl Harbor, 7th December 1941." by John A Crowhurst examines the historical significance of medical complications involving the anesthetic drug thiopentone during the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. For decades, a narrative persisted that improper use of this sedative caused massive casualties, prompting the author to investigate how much truth lies behind these claims. The source suggests that while precise death tolls remain unknown due to poor record-keeping and military censorship, the tragedies were likely fueled by untrained personnel and a lack of pharmacological knowledge. This crisis served as a pivotal turning point for the medical field, highlighting the dangers of administering powerful drugs to patients in shock. Ultimately, the failures at Pearl Harbor accelerated the professionalization of anesthesiology, transforming it from a task for technicians into a specialized medical discipline requiring rigorous training.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/the-legacy-of-the-anaesthesia-events-at-pearl-harbor-7th-december-1941/
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"Dengue Epidemics During the Second World War in Queensland" by Dennis G Shanks is a fascinating historical article; during World War II, the massive mobilization of military forces and civilians led to significant dengue fever epidemics across Queensland and the Northern Territory. These outbreaks were fueled by the heavy mixing of populations in areas where mosquito vectors were already established, often overwhelming existing quarantine and prevention efforts. Thousands of Australian and American soldiers were affected, leading to substantial operational challenges due to widespread illness and lingering post-viral fatigue. Military medical officers struggled to distinguish the virus from malaria, yet the crisis eventually spurred critical early research into virus isolation. While modern cases in Australia are typically linked to overseas travel, these historical events highlight the ongoing biosecurity threat dengue poses to deployed troops. Today, the virus remains a concern for military readiness, necessitating continued focus on personal protection and the development of effective vaccines.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/dengue-epidemics-during-the-second-world-war-in-queensland/
#podcast #militarymedicine #AMMA #JMVH #veteranshealth #militaryhealth

"Over a century of service: the .303 projectile and its wounding capabilities – a historical profile" by David Andrew examines the evolution of the .303 military projectile and the controversies surrounding its wounding capabilities over more than a century of use. The text details the progression from early black powder rounds to sophisticated dual-core spire point bullets designed to tumble upon impact. Significant focus is placed on the legal and ethical debates sparked by expanding "dum-dum" ammunition, which eventually led to bans under the Hague Convention. The source also highlights how British and Australian forces adapted the cartridge’s design to balance stopping power with international military regulations. Ultimately, the article illustrates how a single caliber transitioned through various mechanical and chemical iterations to remain a global military staple.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/over-a-century-of-service-the-303-projectile-and-its-wounding-capabilities-a-historical-profile/
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"The Effects of Current Cold Chain Management Equipment in Controlling the Temperature of Thermolabile Medications and Temperature Sensitive Diagnostics, Dressings and Fluids in A Routine Australian Defence Force Operating/Exercise Environment" by E Daly, N Evans and S Holmes-Brown examines how effectively the Australian Defence Force maintains the cold chain for medications and medical supplies during field exercises. Research findings reveal that existing storage containers and logistical protocols frequently fail to keep temperature-sensitive items within the required thermal ranges, leading to significant cold-chain breaches. These failures compromise the safety and efficacy of pharmaceuticals, potentially putting military personnel at risk during treatment. The authors suggest that current equipment is inadequate for harsh environmental conditions and recommend adopting specialized cooling technologies. Ultimately, the report advocates for stricter regulatory compliance and updated training to ensure military health support matches civilian standards.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/the-effects-of-current-cold-chain-management-equipment-in-controlling-the-temperature-of-thermolabile-medications-and-temperature-sensitive-diagnostics-dressings-and-fluids-in-a-routine-australian-de/
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"Acceleration-Induced atelectasis; a case with deceptive clinical manifestations for COVID-19 pneumonia" by H Shahli & M Darvishi details a medical case study involving an F-14 pilot whose physical symptoms initially mimicked a COVID-19 infection. Despite presenting with a fever, cough, and low oxygen levels, diagnostic testing revealed that the patient was actually suffering from acceleration-induced atelectasis caused by high-gravity flight maneuvers. The text explains that this condition occurs when sustained gravitational forces and high oxygen concentrations cause lung segments to collapse. Fortunately, the aviator made a full recovery through respiratory rehabilitation and the use of mucolytic medication. The authors emphasize the importance of distinguishing this aviation-specific ailment from viral pneumonia to ensure accurate diagnoses during global health crises. This report serves as a critical reminder for military medical professionals to consider a patient's occupational history when evaluating deceptive clinical manifestations.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/acceleration-induced-atelectasis-a-case-with-deceptive-clinical-manifestations-for-covid-19-pneumonia/
#podcast #militarymedicine #AMMA #JMVH #veteranshealth #militaryhealth

"BIOLOGICAL AGENTS Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever" by Sue Sharpe offers a comprehensive medical and epidemiological profile of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, a disease caused by the intracellular bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii. It details how the pathogen is primarily transmitted through tick bites and describes the severe physiological impact of the infection, which targets endothelial cells and can lead to systemic organ damage. The source highlights the difficulty of early diagnosis due to non-specific symptoms like fever and muscle pain, emphasizing that prompt antibiotic treatment with tetracycline or doxycycline is critical for survival. Additionally, the article explores the infection's potential as a biological warfare agent, noting its high infectivity via aerosols despite its fragile nature outside a host. Ultimately, the text underscores the lack of an effective vaccine and the ongoing need for improved rapid diagnostic technologies to prevent fatal outcomes.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/biological-agents-rocky-mountain-spotted-fever/
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"Toughening Up: Bullying in the British Army during the First World War" by S Walker explores the pervasive role of bullying and hazing within the British Army during World War I, framing these behaviors as tools for indoctrination and social control. The author examines how systemic humiliation was utilized by recruiters, officers, and the public to pressure men into service and enforce military discipline. Personal testimonies illustrate that while some soldiers viewed harsh treatment as a necessary part of "toughening up," others experienced profound psychological trauma or were driven to violent mutiny. The study further highlights how prejudice based on race, religion, and sexuality provided additional pretexts for the victimization of those perceived as different. By connecting historical abuses to modern military scandals, the text suggests that the struggle to distinguish between rigorous training and targeted abuse remains an unresolved institutional challenge. Ultimately, the source argues that coercive mistreatment was a fundamental, if damaging, component of the British soldier's experience during the Great War.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/https-doi-ds-org-doilink-03-2023-43656364-jmvh-vol-31-no-1/
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"Psychosocial Risk Factors and their Impact on the Performance of Everyday Activities in Canadian Veterans" by AM Miguel-Cruz examines how psychosocial risk factors influence the ability of Canadian veterans to perform daily activities while managing chronic pain and mental health conditions. By analyzing clinical data through the Fear-Avoidance Model, the study identifies significant correlations between a veteran's perceived disability, catastrophic thinking, and feelings of injustice with their actual level of functional impairment. The authors utilize the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and Engagement to advocate for a holistic, multidisciplinary rehabilitation approach that moves beyond treating isolated symptoms. Ultimately, the findings suggest that addressing a veteran's psychological outlook and fear of movement is essential for improving their quality of life and engagement in meaningful domestic or leisure roles. The text concludes that successful reintegration depends on helping former service members find new purpose and identity through the successful completion of everyday tasks.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/psychosocial-risk-factors-and-their-impact-on-the-performance-of-everyday-activities-in-canadian-veterans/
#podcast #militarymedicine #AMMA #JMVH #veteranshealth #militaryhealth

"When and How Military Students’ Self-Esteem May Become an Obstacle in Seeking Professional Mental Health Help When Needed?" by Vassiliki Karamanoli examines how self-esteem and social stigma impact the willingness of Greek military students to seek professional mental health services. Research indicates that while these students often acknowledge the effectiveness of psychological support, they frequently avoid it due to fears of appearing weak or damaging their careers. Interestingly, the findings suggest that high self-esteem among trainees can actually serve as a barrier, as it reinforces a social identity of strength that views seeking help as a violation of military virtues. Consequently, both self-stigma and public stigma negatively correlate with the intention to access care, even when individuals face significant emotional distress. The author concludes that targeted psychoeducation and supportive leadership are essential to decouple the pursuit of mental wellness from perceptions of professional failure.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/self-esteem-stigma-and-attitudes-concerning-seeking-mental-help-in-the-military-environment/
#podcast #militarymedicine #AMMA #JMVH #veteranshealth #militaryhealth