Exploring the Fascinating Human Science in Warfare as Revealed in Grunt, Written by Mary Roach
In the heat of battle, American soldiers carry a weighty load, averaging 95 pounds (43 kg) of body armor, batteries, weapons, and ammunition. This physical exertion can lead to heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion, fainting, and heat stroke. In the most severe cases, the body may divert blood flow from the gut to muscles, potentially leading to cardiac arrest and kidney failure.
Amidst these challenges, there are stories of medical innovation that are as remarkable as they are unexpected. One such example is the use of filth fly larvae, or maggots, in wound treatment. These tiny organisms, often associated with decay, have the unique ability to remove dead tissue filled with dangerous bacteria from open wounds. The US Defense Department is even exploring the development of a maggot device for the treatment of complex injuries caused by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
In a groundbreaking move, the US Food & Drug Administration has approved a medical device containing live blowfly larvae for treating chronically-infected IED wounds. This approval marks a significant step forward in combat casualty care, leading to more men surviving, but also requiring genital reconstruction in some cases.
Traditional methods for genital reconstruction, such as phalloplasty, have their drawbacks. This procedure creates a penis using skin flaps from the underside of the forearm, helping injured combatants regain a somewhat normal sex life. However, researchers are now developing a penis transplant to restore normal functions without the drawbacks of phalloplasty.
The unsanitary conditions in military encampments can attract flies, which can transmit diseases like diarrhea, typhoid fever, cholera, and dysentery. More than half of combatants in recent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq suffered diarrhea at least once. To combat this, soldiers are encouraged to maintain proper hygiene and sanitation practices.
Sleep deprivation is another common issue, particularly for sailors on nuclear-powered submarines who seldom get more than four hours of sleep per night due to various drills and emergencies. To address this, submariners now follow schedules that align with people's natural circadian rhythms.
Mary Roach, a renowned author, delves into these underbelly aspects of modern life with a unique perspective. Her writing focuses on the gross and the crucial functionality of the gross in various subcultures. Her latest book, "Grunt," explores the military, following the footsteps of her previous bestsellers, "Stiff," "Spook," "Fuzz," and "Bonk."
Despite the often grim subject matter, Roach takes her subjects seriously, especially the medical issues that combatants face. She approaches her work with a fun, informative, and highly amusing prose style, making complex topics accessible to a general audience.
In the realm of combat casualty care, advances are being made that were unimaginable just a few decades ago. From the use of maggots to the development of penis transplants, the future of medical care for our soldiers is a promising one.
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