In this episode, Mark Donald will be discussing the history, advancements and training on a few key pieces of special operations medical equipment, and the physical concerns women might experience in special operations with Dr. Warner “Butch” Anderson.

Although the primary focus of our conversation will be hemorrhage control, particularly the use of the tourniquet, pressure dressings and other devices, we will discuss our thoughts on how medicine swayed away from the use of the tourniquet despite it’s proven battlefield capabilities, and how this change in attitude may have contributed to the military’s memory lapse on the need to address massive hemorrhage vs. concentrating on the ABC’s.

Mark will also ask Butch his personal perspective on self-aid and buddy aid as it related to gun shot wounds he received in Iraq while he countered an enemy’s ambush.

Midway through the show, we’ll segue way into medical concerns for female service members as it relates to SOF training and service.

Lastly, if time permits, we will make mention of some key components for personal medical kits for home and car.  Our commentary will include personal stories and experiences both on and off the battlefield to reinforce our thoughts and opinions. This will not be in an academic format. Rather it will be a relaxed conversation of two operators discussing history based on our opinions and facts.

Background: Dr. Anderson has over forty years of experience in special operations medicine. He started his career as a former Special Forces Medic (18D) before continuing his education to become a Special Forces Physician Assistant and later Special Forces Physician. As Colonel Anderson, Butch served as the Associate Dean of the Joint Special Operations Medical Training Center (18D) before retiring and assuming his current position as Director, International Health at Office of Assistant Secretary of Defense (Health Affairs). He has Bronze Star with “V” and Purple Heart for countering the ambush and saving the life of a least one teammate.