Manikin Human-Patient Simulator Training.

Background: Human-patient simulators (HPSs) may help enhance medical education. Manikin HPS devices respond to common field medical interventions, such as cricothyroidotomy, and have realistic feedback features, such as respirations and pulses. This study surveys Special Operations Medics for evaluations of HPS features.

Medical student quality-of-life in the clerkships: a scale validation study.

Many aspects of medical school are stressful for students. To empirically assess student reactions to clerkship programs, or to assess efforts to improve such programs, educators must measure the overall well-being of the students reliably and validly. The purpose of the study was to develop and validate a measure designed to achieve these goals.

FLS skill acquisition: a comparison of blocked vs interleaved practice.

Introduction: Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) certification is required for general surgery. The recommended practice for learning FLS is to practice tasks one at a time until proficient (blocked practice). Learning theory suggests that interleaved practice, a method in which tasks are rotated rather than learned one at a time, may result in superior learning.

Evaluation of commercially available traction splints for battlefield use.

Background: Femoral fracture is a common battlefield injury with grave complications if not properly treated. Traction splinting has been proved to decrease morbidity and mortality in battlefield femur fractures. However, little standardization of equipment and training exists within the United States Armed Forces.

Self-rated readiness for performance of needle decompression in combat lifesaver training.

Background: The Combat Lifesaver course taught to nonmedical personnel includes instruction on performing needle thoracostomy to decompress tension pneumothorax, the second leading cause of preventable combat death. Although the Tactical Combat Casualty Care curriculum is pushed to the lowest level of battlefield first responders, the instruction of this advanced procedure is routinely limited to a verbal block of instruction with a standardized presentation.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the confidence of nonmedical personnel in their preparation to perform a needle thoracostomy before Combat Lifesaver training, after verbal instruction on the procedure, manikin training, and practice on a human cadaver.

Feasibility of supraglottic airway use by combat lifesavers on the modern battlefield.

Background: Airway compromise is a contributor to preventable mortality on the battlefield. Supraglottic airway devices are an accepted intervention for these casualties. Combat Medics, civilian prehospital care providers, and lay civilians have demonstrated proficiency with supraglottic airways.