Kenneth R. Williams, PhD’s Post

Observations on Visual Anomalies and Expertise in Point-of-Injury Medicine As a senior medic in the United States Army, with years of experience treating and training over 100,000 individuals in point-of-injury medicine, I have developed a keen eye for identifying injuries, particularly those caused by ballistic trauma. Having taught at the Army Medical Schoolhouse and handled countless cases involving entry and exit wounds, I know the physical signs these injuries leave behind. Recently, while watching the soon-to-be President of the United States on Meet the Press, I couldn’t help but notice a peculiar detail. It has been widely reported that he sustained a sniper round to the ear; however, from my professional perspective, I observed no deformities typically associated with such an injury. A sniper round to the ear would almost certainly leave a visible entry or exit wound or a missing piece of the ear, yet these telltale signs seem absent. Out of curiosity and in pursuit of a better understanding, I attempted to compare current and past images of the individual. Unfortunately, I’ve encountered restrictions in uploading and analyzing these images on LinkedIn to foster a professional discussion. To my network of trauma, military, and medical professionals: • Have you encountered similar anomalies in ballistic injuries? • How would you approach this observation from a clinical perspective? I raise this topic not to speculate but to encourage thoughtful discussion within the medical and professional community. Our collective experience and expertise can help clarify and deepen our understanding of such cases. #TraumaCare #MilitaryMedicine #CombatMedic #PointOfInjury #ProfessionalInsights

Do you know the correct technique for performing chest compressions? This practical skills module from RCNi Learning outlines the correct technique for performing chest compressions on adults during cardiac arrest. https://lnkd.in/evg3AmUp

When we talk about military medicine, most people think of battlefield trauma care, surgical equipment, or treatments that require highly trained medical professionals. But what if the soldiers themselves — out in the field, far from any medical facility — could access consumer-grade medical devices that improve their well-being without needing a doctor on-site? That’s exactly the opportunity I see for Health Helper. While military developments often drive medical innovation and advancements, we’re turning that model on its head. Our award-winning consumer medical devices designed for everyday people can be easily adapted for soldiers in the field, offering them quick, effective solutions. Take our Bite Helper® - itch neutralizer, for example. Our new version of the Bite Helper is a keychain-sized device that soldiers can use on the go. Instead of waiting for a medic to address insect bites, a soldier can use a small, easy-to-carry device that delivers instant relief and reduces the chance of getting an infection. Beyond this, we’re developing a suite of compact, tech-driven devices that address common issues soldiers face: muscle strain, joint pain, and stress management. Our goal is to equip every soldier with a personal Health Helper first-aid kit — a set of devices that enhance performance, aid recovery, and provide immediate care, all without requiring specialized training. This is an area of military healthcare that’s still developing. With ongoing global conflicts, there is a growing need for solutions that can be used by soldiers themselves, wherever they are deployed. We’re currently working with military doctors to develop and test these devices in real-world conditions. #healthhelper #miltech #militatyhealthcare #medicaldevices #medtech

Medical Evaluation Board If a Service Member is suffering from an illness or injury, ensuring they receive proper medical attention becomes the primary concern. If their condition improves to the extent that they can resume full military duty, they will be returned to a unit. However, if the treating physician determines that the Service Member is unable to perform full military duty or is unlikely to do so within a reasonable period (typically 12 months), they will be referred to a Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) at the medical treatment facility (MTF) providing their treatment. If the Service Member's physical condition falls below medical retention standards, the treating physician will initiate a profile to refer them to the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES). The MTF may have a designated physician responsible for making the final determination for referral to the MEB. The MEB constitutes an informal process involving at least two physicians and an Approval Authority. They compile, assess, and evaluate the Service Member's medical history to determine how their injury/illness will respond to treatment. The MEB also documents the extent of the injury or illness and assesses if it is severe enough to affect the Service Member's ability to continue serving in a full-duty capacity. The physician assesses the nature and degree of the medical impairment in relation to retention standards and the duties expected of the Service Member in their respective branch/Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) and grade. In certain cases, specific diagnoses will necessitate referral to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB). Any questions or items requiring clarity, please reach out to us! United States Army Human Resources Command The Adjutant General Directorate U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs #TakingCareofpeople #Readiness

A powerful story on the investing in the personnel and people side of the war in Ukraine, especially the need for physical and mental rehabilitation as a core component of national resilience and reconstruction. Useful insights for tomorrow’s conflicts.

Did you Know...Ah, ha, ha ha  “Stayin Alive” …AHA updated the ACLS guidelines in 2020? In general, every 5 years the American Heart Association (AHA) Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) algorithms undergo updates. In 2020 some significant changes occurred. See some of the updates that are most pertinent to the ambulatory anesthesiologist (member log in): https://lnkd.in/gRV8kFrY

As someone who served in the enlisted ranks for over twenty years, I’ve seen and felt the frustrations that many service members experience with military health care. One of the most significant issues is the feeling that our doctors don’t always listen to us. This sentiment is widespread among enlisted personnel, who often find it challenging to get the timely and attentive care they need. It’s disheartening when you have health concerns and feel like your rank determines how seriously you are taken. Many lower-ranking troops express frustration that their medical issues are not given the same priority as those of higher-ranking officers. This can make it seem like the system values rank over the well-being of its service members, creating a sense of inequality and neglect. The recent findings that officers and recently promoted personnel receive better care only confirm what many of us have known all along. When you’re at the lower end of the rank spectrum, getting the care you need often feels like an uphill battle. This isn’t just about access to resources; it’s about being heard and respected when you seek medical attention. For enlisted personnel, this issue goes beyond physical health. It affects our mental well-being and trust in the system that’s supposed to support us. When doctors dismiss our concerns or don’t take the time to listen, it’s easy to feel undervalued. This lack of attention can lead to bigger health problems down the line and erode the morale that’s crucial for military effectiveness. The military prides itself on values like duty, honor, and respect, but these values need to be reflected in how we treat every service member, regardless of rank. Enlisted personnel are the backbone of the military, and our experiences and well-being are vital to the overall mission. When we don’t feel heard or respected in our health care encounters, it’s not just an individual issue; it’s a systemic problem that impacts our readiness and morale. In the end, every service member deserves to feel that their health concerns are taken seriously. It’s about more than just medical care; it’s about respect and acknowledgment of our service and sacrifices. For those of us who have walked this path, the hope is that these issues will be recognized and that every voice, regardless of rank, will be heard.

Israel's medical advancements in the field of military medicine are praiseworthy and demonstrate the country's commitment to preserving the lives of its soldiers. The integration of doctors and paramedics into combat units, along with rapid air transport to flying emergency rooms, ensures that wounded soldiers receive immediate and high-quality treatment. These innovations have resulted in significantly higher survival rates than in the past, demonstrating the effectiveness of these strategies. In comparison, we can observe the attitude of the Russian government towards the lives of its soldiers, which does not demonstrate the same level of respect and concern. The lack of preparation and adequate medical care before sending soldiers into combat puts their lives at unnecessary risk. This contrasts with Israel's commitment to providing immediate medical assistance and saving the lives of its soldiers. Israel's medical advances not only save lives but also reflect the values and continuous pursuit of technological and tactical excellence. The dedication to maintaining leadership in both military strategy and moral responsibility positions Israel as a leader in defense and assistance to its soldiers. The innovation within the Israel Defense Forces serves as a beacon of hope and demonstrates the country's unwavering dedication to protecting its people, maintaining the highest standards for survival as a Nation. https://lnkd.in/d9d88i6k

Advanced, pre hospital emergency trauma care training is massively valuable, and conveys increasingly important skills. Bravo to Simon Rogers MSyl and the work of Turret Training.👏 #Security #D13 #TraumaCare #AdvancedTraining #SavesLives #RTC #TerroristAttack #Turret #FASTaid #NaturalDisaster #SkillsYouNeed

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