Amputation Statistics 1 April 2013 – 31 March 2018
Abstract: This annual report provides statistical information on the number of UK Service personnel who suffered an amputation for the five year period 1 April 2013 – 31 March 2018. An amputation is the traumatic (accidental) or surgical removal of part of the body, and can range from the loss of entire limbs, to the loss of part of a finger or toe. The numbers of “significant multiple amputees”; comprising of the loss of more than one limb, and the number of UK Service personnel with an amputation who have been medically discharged have been provided. Information on the number of UK Service personnel who suffered a traumatic or surgical amputation resulting from injuries sustained in Afghanistan and Iraq has also been provided.
Abstract: The U.S. Army’s Ask, Care, Escort (ACE) suicide gatekeeper training has been the annual requirement for all personnel since 2009; however, this training has never been formally evaluated. The present study evaluated three updated versions of ACE: a training for Army leaders (ACE-Suicide Intervention), a training for basic combat trainees (ACE for Basic Combat Training and One Station Unit Training), and a standard training for all personnel (ACE for the Force). Self-report surveys measured pre- to posttraining changes in objective and subjective knowledge and stigma, as well as preparedness, self-efficacy, and likelihood to engage in gatekeeper behaviors. Implementation outcomes, such as training acceptability, suitability, and usability were also assessed. Across these evaluations, participants reported that knowledge and gatekeeper behaviors significantly improved from pre- to posttraining. Implementation metrics revealed a high degree of acceptability and relevance for all three ACE trainings. Overall, the findings of these evaluations suggest important changes in key suicide prevention outcomes following the ACE suite of trainings. Further longitudinal assessment is needed to establish the full effectiveness of gatekeeper interventions in the Army.