Use of a Digital Cognitive Aid in the Early Management of Simulated War Wounds in a Combat Environment, a Randomized Trial.

Introduction: The French army has implemented an algorithm based on the acronym "MARCHE RYAN," each letter standing for a key action to complete in order to help first care providers during emergency casualty care. On the battlefield, the risk of error is increased, and the use of cognitive aids (CAs) might be helpful to avoid distraction. We investigated the effect of using a digital CA (MAX, for Medical Assistance eXpert) by combat casualty care providers on their technical and nontechnical performances during the early management of simulated war wounds, compared to their memory and training alone.

Impact of Minor Surgery Emergencies in Isolated Sea-Based Environment: The French Navy Experience.

Introduction: The aim of this article is to determine whether some of the urgent (<24 hours) medical evacuations (MEDEVACs) (from French Navy surface ships in isolated situations but with an embarked medical officer) of patients suffering from minor surgical emergencies could have been avoided, and if so, which ones.

Materials And Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study of all MEDEVAC's performed between 2009 and 2014. This was done by an analysis of the records held at the French Naval Medical Headquarters that included both MEDEVAC signals and anonymized files called "Patient Movement Request.

Bilateral pneumothoraces following acupuncture.

A 50-year-old woman was brought to the emergency department with shortness of breath and chest tightness following acupuncture to her upper back for a chronically painful left shoulder. She had symptoms of respiratory distress and chest X-ray revealed bilateral pneumothoraces. Symptoms resolved after insertion of bilateral Seldinger chest drains.

Contemporary French maritime hospital capabilities.

The polyvalent nature of the three French BPCs creates flexibility for command, especially if two could be deployed simultaneously on the same operation. They each contain an impressive MTF designed into the ship from the initial concept, with a modular ability to function as anything from Role 2 to 3. It is hoped that as part of Defence Engagement the RNMS will be able to exercise on board a BPC.

Clinical Presentation of Patients With Tension Pneumothorax: A Systematic Review.

Objective: To determine whether the reported clinical presentation of tension pneumothorax differs between patients who are breathing unassisted versus receiving assisted ventilation.

Background: Animal studies suggest that the pathophysiology and physical signs of tension pneumothorax differ by subject ventilatory status.

Methods: We searched electronic databases through to October 15, 2013 for observational studies and case reports/series reporting clinical manifestations of tension pneumothorax.