Journal of Special Operations Medicine

09/05/2025

When an 18D-turned-senior neurosurgery resident tells you he still uses his dive neuro exam as the standard for evaluating trauma patients. Special Operations Medical Association

08/20/2025

MSG(R) Paul Loos brings an important new medical perspective to the ROC, and ways SOF medicine can chart a path ahead.

08/14/2025

Informative! As always, great content from North American Rescue.

08/08/2025

The Summer 25 JSOM podcast episode is streaming on Spotify. Articles being discussed include:

Proof of Concept: Is Small-scale Production of Diethyl Ether for Anesthetic Use Possible?
Dhanjal S, Kitzinger KM, Jarema D, Johnson JS 25(2). 80
Publication Type: Journal Article (Ongoing Series / Unconventional Medicine)

Abstract:

Background: Clinicians face numerous challenges when providing effective anesthesia in the setting of humanitarian crisis or armed conflict. Anesthetic supply limitations often stand as a critical gap in these environments. Due to its clinical safety profile and relatively simple production, diethyl ether (Et2O) may offer a solution in such situations.

Methods: The dehydration of ethanol (EtOH) using an acid-catalyzed reaction was conducted twice. Sulfuric acid was added to a solution of ethanol in a glass flask that was heated to approximately 145 °C, promoting the formation of Et2O and water. At this temperature, Et2O was isolated from the solution through fractional distillation and collected in a flask that was cooled in an ice bath. The distillate was analyzed using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy.

Read More: https://jsomonline.org/product/proof-of-concept-is-small-scale-production-of-diethyl-ether-for-anesthetic-use-possible/?fbclid=IwY2xjawMCyVVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBBZkh2bnlXbjJ2N0hHdUFMAR6ef5gJKYVZOQTAsD7uyf15rsGQBJVsRKy9ruq8qtPY9-ngjAqJsxwmTgmi8w_aem_1WmSr18t5h8Pvw4qDcpLoA

Proof of Concept: Is Small-scale Production of Diethyl Ether for Anesthetic Use Possible? Dhanjal S, Kitzinger KM, Jarema D, Johnson JS 25(2). 80 Publication Type: Journal Article (Ongoing Series / Unconventional Medicine) Abstract: Background: Clinicians face numerous challenges when providing effe...

08/04/2025

MHSRS starts today! If you're attending, please connect with our team. We have complimentary journals available and handbooks for purchase.

07/31/2025

The Journal of Special Operations Medicine will be at the upcoming MHSRS symposium in Kissimmee, Fl happening Aug 4th-7th. Find us at booth 308 on the Exhibition Floor. We will have journals and handbooks available.

Military Health System readies to showcase cutting-edge research and innovations supporting the medical readiness needs of warfighters.

07/31/2025

Our July 25 JSOM Feature Article is still available for complimentary download for one more day. Check it out!

Proof of Concept: Is Small-scale Production of Diethyl Ether for Anesthetic Use Possible?
Dhanjal S, Kitzinger KM, Jarema D, Johnson JS 25(2). 80
Publication Type: Journal Article (Ongoing Series / Unconventional Medicine)

Abstract:
Background: Clinicians face numerous challenges when providing effective anesthesia in the setting of humanitarian crisis or armed conflict. Anesthetic supply limitations often stand as a critical gap in these environments. Due to its clinical safety profile and relatively simple production, diethyl ether (Et2O) may offer a solution in such situations.
Methods: The dehydration of ethanol (EtOH) using an acid-catalyzed reaction was conducted twice. Sulfuric acid was added to a solution of ethanol in a glass flask that was heated to approximately 145 °C, promoting the formation of Et2O and water. At this temperature, Et2O was isolated from the solution through fractional distillation and collected in a flask that was cooled in an ice bath. The distillate was analyzed using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy.

Read More:
https://jsomonline.org/product/proof-of-concept-is-small-scale-production-of-diethyl-ether-for-anesthetic-use-possible/

07/18/2025

The Summer 25 edition of the Journal of Special Operations Medicine is out. Digital access is now available to digital subscribers and Special Operations Medical Association members. Print subscribers will have their copies soon.

Subscribe to Journal of Special Operations Medicine to stay updated on the latest in special operations medical research & practices.

07/14/2025

The Journal of Special Operations Medicine is a proud media partner of the 2025 VA Healthcare Summit happening July 22nd-23rd in National Harbor, MD. Partners across the military, government, private and non-profit healthcare sector, academia and consultant communities have consistently made this event a marquee gathering for senior stakeholders, technology experts, industry innovators, clinicians, nurses and administrators. The Summit regularly hosts over 650+ attendees, and this event will provide those leaders across the VA Healthcare ecosystem the chance to learn, share, and connect with our nation’s veterans to improve health outcomes, care access, and delivery. For more information about this event, please visit the IDGA event page.
https://www.idga.org/events-veteransaffairshealthcare

07/11/2025

How would you handle blood logisitics issues?

Awesome article in Journal of Special Operations Medicine addressing contingency blood issues. While there aren’t definitive answers on this, it does help to look at some of the science behind it. AABB has published standards, exceptions approved by medical director.
Expired Blood? RBCs=42d, WB(CPD)=21d, (CPDA-1)= 35d. These limits are primarily based on % of hemolysis. Risk= infection and hemolyzed RBCs. Expired blood has been used successfully in GWOT and during COVID. The authors suggest in emergency situations that RBCs and WB are likely safe and effective up to 7d post expiration.
Temperature deviation? Standards: Storage=1-6c, Transport 1-10c. Deviating between storage and transport likely no effect. The authors looked at studies and suggest WB held at room temp for up to 5 days may still be effective.
Walking blood bank to replenish Whole Blood stockpile: Note** this is how the ROLO program started (the bag pictured above), we used prescreened low titer donors forward deployed, pulled off units and stored them for missions. JTS states you should refrigerate within 8 hours then store for the regular times; Joint Blood Program office approval is required to store longer than 24hrs.
Lots more to discuss on this topic (using deceased blood, cell salvage, autologous, etc..) but good to keep the conversation going on how we can solve blood supply issues in less-than-ideal conditions. Let me know your thoughts.