On the unexpected consequences of publication by a novice author.

In the early 1960s, the author became increasingly aware of spatial disorientation as a potential cause of aircraft accidents in the USAF. Using minimal resources, he was able to document this problem and in 1969 as a first-time author published a journal article under the title "Spatial disorientation as a factor in accidents in an operational command." His work was recently used by the USAF in evaluating the need for installation in fighter aircraft of automated equipment to prevent controlled flight into terrain.

Development of a state medical surge plan, Part II: Components of a medical surge plan.

In 2003, the Utah State Department of Health received funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration to develop a medical surge plan to increase the number of available hospital beds in the state by 1250 beds, including 125 beds for burn or critical trauma patients. A prior article discussed the planning procedures and process. This article describes the major components of the plan, including analysis of threats, direction and control, activation and system response; communications; and critical issues.

Development of a state medical surge plan, part I: the procedures, process, and lessons learned or confirmed.

In 2003, the Utah Department of Health received funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration to develop a medical surge plan. The plan was designed to increase the number of available hospital beds in the state by 1250 beds, including 125 beds for patients with burns or trauma patients. Interested parties were contacted and a coordinating group composed of Utah Department of Health and University of Utah Health Sciences Center representatives was formed, who were responsible for developing the plan.

High-risk head and neck movements at high G and interventions to reduce associated neck injury.

Background: Neck injuries are a significant concern for aviators of high performance aircraft. A recent comprehensive technical report on cervical spinal injury associated with exposure to sustained acceleration, from NATO's Research and Technology Organization, recommended delineating the neck muscles used by aviators in this flying environment and developing improved neck muscle strengthening programs in an attempt to reduce such injuries.

Methods: A review of current literature was conducted in the fields of biomechanics, ergonomics, orthopedics, neurology, neurosurgery, rehabilitative medicine, and aerospace medicine.