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AltaPointe Health Launches Weekly Online Veteran Peer Support Group

Sunday, January 25th, 2026

MOBILE, Ala., Jan. 23, 2026 — AltaPointe Health is launching a new weekly online Veteran Peer Support Group designed to help veterans navigate the transition from military to civilian life in a safe, confidential, and supportive environment.

The virtual group will meet every Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. CST via Zoom and is open to veterans who may not feel comfortable attending in-person appointments or visiting a clinic.

The group is built on a simple but powerful concept: By veterans. For veterans.

According to AltaPointe Veteran Program Coordinator Ron Olmsted, the meeting is a peer-led forum where participation is completely based on each individual’s comfort level.

“This is a peer meeting where veterans are helping other veterans who may not want to come to a clinic,” Olmsted said. “They can be anonymous, or they don’t have to be. They can just listen to the forum and chime in with their comments, or just listen. One hundred percent of the participation level is going to be based on your comfort level.”

Participants are not required to turn on their cameras or use their real names. Veterans can simply listen, share experiences, or actively participate — whatever feels right for them.

“You don’t have to turn your camera on, you don’t have to give us your real name,” Olmsted said. “If you just want to sit and listen, that’s fine. If you want to participate, that’s great. We’re not trying to force anything on anybody. We’re just trying to expose people to things that will hopefully make their lives a little bit better.”

The Veteran Peer Support Group is designed to help reduce isolation and create meaningful connections among veterans who understand military culture, service, and the challenges of transition. The group offers a judgment-free space to talk about topics such as PTSD, depression, stress, and other life challenges.

Benefits of the group include:

Shared understanding with fellow veterans
Community and connection to reduce isolation
Mental health support in a safe, confidential setting
Renewed purpose and engagement in civilian life
Access to resources tailored to veterans’ needs

Meetings are online, confidential, and veteran-only, allowing participants to engage at their own pace in a supportive environment.

To register or learn more, call (251) 450-5956 or email veteransupport@altapointe.org.

Posted in Medical, Press Release, Veterans | Comments Off on AltaPointe Health Launches Weekly Online Veteran Peer Support Group

Blue Force Gear Further Shatters Conventional Gear Design

Wednesday, January 21st, 2026

LAS VEGAS, NV. – Blue Force Gear, Inc., the world leader in load carriage equipment innovation, unveils at the 2026 NSSF SHOT Show a collection of products that continue to challenge currently set standards. From a revolutionary integrated battle belt climbing system to signature-reduction and life-saving gear, BFG continues to engineer solutions that professionals didn’t know they needed, until now. SHOT Show attendees can explore the following cutting-edge gear, as well as the rest of Blue Force Gear’s legendary product line, at BFG’s booth #20405 where specialists will demonstrate their unique capabilities.

Integrated Stealth Harness (ISH™): From Climber to Gunfighter in Seconds

The patented ISH Harness combines a gun belt, climbing harness, tourniquet, and travel restraint allinto one lightweight, certified system rated to hold over 3,000 pounds. Modular, removable leg loops deploy in seconds and feature windlass points for emergency tourniquet application or rappelling friction hitches. The ISH Harness features BFG’s signature MOLLEminus platform and anatomical curve design for uncompromising comfort on the ground or at height.The ISH Harness is UIAA and EU Certified as a Type C Mountaineering Harness.

UPL MR Pouch: Maximum Versatility, Minimal Footprint

This compact pouch securely organizes everything from 40mm grenades and CS Spray to tourniquets and spare mags in just 2″ of MOLLE space. Adjustable flaps accommodate items from 4″ to 7″ in height, while the integrated BLIP pull tab ensures quick access in any conditions. Built with ULTRACOMP laminate, the MR Pouch reduces weight by up to 60% without sacrificing durability.

MTKN!® Nano LE: Life-Saving Capacity in a Compact Package

Despite its streamlined design, the Nano LE matches the capacity of the Micro Trauma Kit NOW!, holding QuickClot Gauze, Mini Compression Dressing, Hypothermia Blanket, and more depending on the fill level chosen. Two integrated sidecar pouches secure NARCAN Nasal Spray and a tourniquet, while single-hand BLIP pull tab access ensures rapid and consistent deployment. The Nano LE mountshorizontally or vertically on MOLLE or pants belts for ultimate flexibility.

BNVD Pouch & Slipcover: Signature Management and Convenience

Born from GWOT lessons learned, BFG’s BNVD Slipcover addresses a critical operational need: signature reduction. The lightweight Slipcover masks the distinctive BNVD shape with a shaggy design built out of nylon spandex while also providing natural face-shading. The perfect companion to the Slipcover, the BNVD Pouch delivers padded protection with a Fastex Buckle closure and MOLLE-compatible Helium Whisper pouch attachment. Together, they provide seamless protection from arms room storage to deployment.

For more information about Blue Force Gear or any of their product offerings, visit their website: www.blueforcegear.com

About Blue Force Gear®

Blue Force Gear designs the best weapon slings and leads the lightweight load carriage equipment revolution with Ten-Speed multi-use pouches, MOLLEminus platforms, and the patented Helium Whisper attachment system. Their proprietaryULTRACOMP high-performance coated fabric laminate material, unrivaled innovation, and attention to detail set Blue Force Gear apart from others in the tactical equipment industry. Blue Force Gear is a Great Place to Work Certified Company. For more information, visit their website: www.blueforcegear.com

Posted in Advertiser, Load Carrying, Medical, Mountaineering, Press Release | Comments Off on Blue Force Gear Further Shatters Conventional Gear Design

High Speed Gear and Phokus Research Group to Showcase Collaborative Medical Solutions for Warfighters at SHOT Show 2026

Friday, January 16th, 2026

Visit Booth #72739 to See Modular, Combat-Proven Medical Systems Built for Operational Readiness

LAS VEGAS, NV – January 16, 2026 – High Speed Gear (HSG), a leading U.S. manufacturer of tactical nylon and load-bearing equipment, and Phokus Research Group, a recognized innovator in operational medicine and medical systems integration, announced a collaborative effort focused on delivering mission-ready medical carriage and treatment solutions for today’s warfighters. The jointly developed medical product solutions will be on display at SHOT Show 2026 in the High Speed Gear booth, #72739.

Built on shared priorities of durability, rapid access, and real-world usability, the partnership combines High Speed Gear’s battle-proven platforms with Phokus’ medical configuration expertise, providing purpose-driven solutions spanning Individual First Aid Kits (IFAKs) through Medic and Role 1 level systems designed for serious environments.

“Warfighters deserve medical solutions that are built for the reality of their missions, fast, intuitive, rugged, and reliable under stress,” said Allison Mitchum, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for High Speed Gear Products Group. “Working alongside Phokus allows us to take proven platforms and elevate them into complete, operationally relevant systems that help keep people alive when seconds matter. We’re proud to highlight these solutions at SHOT Show 2026 in our booth, #72739.”

Rob Hanna, CEO of Phokus Research Group, added: “This collaboration is about increasing medical readiness through intelligent design and consistent access to lifesaving tools. High Speed Gear brings decades of manufacturing excellence and field-proven durability, and together we’re delivering systems configured to support Tactical Combat Casualty Care and advanced care delivery in the most demanding environments. We’re excited to showcase what’s possible when two mission-focused organizations build together.”

Individual First Aid Kits (IFAKs) – Modular & Combat-Proven

ORK IFAK (Operator Response Kit)

The ORK IFAK (Operator Response Kit) is a Phokus-configured individual first aid kit built around the High Speed Gear Med Pak pouch, an established, battle-proven platform recognized for durability, modularity, and rapid access. By leveraging the Med Pak’s proven design, the ORK provides a flexible foundation for organized medical carriage across a wide range of operational roles.

• Quick-access pull tab for rapid deployment

• MOLLE compatibility for flexible placement on kit

• Rigid internal organizer panel configurable with shock cord and elastic retention

• Built for speed and reliability during self-aid or buddy-aid

Manufactured by High Speed Gear in the United States and Berry-compliant, the ORK IFAK pairs a trusted pouch platform with Phokus’ configuration expertise to deliver a dependable, operationally relevant medical solution.

Medic & Role 1 Level Systems

Phokus Surgical Ruck (Patent Pending)

The Multi-Mission Medical-Surgical Ruck (M3R-SURG) is a collaboration between Phokus and High Speed Gear, engineered for damage control resuscitation (DCR) and damage control surgery (DCS). Developed to address the demands of advanced care for teams operating in austere, mobile, or forward environments, the system features an external aluminum frame to enhance load carriage. Unlike other solutions on the market, the Surgical Ruck was also designed to store personal sustainment gear (food, water, warming layers), critical for extended operations.

The Surgical Ruck is scalable, agile, and rapidly deployable. It features modular, clear pouches mounted on rigid back panels, enabling teams to configure layouts according to mission requirements. Intended for austere surgical sites, the Surgical Ruck enables the rapid setup of a DCR/DCS capability through internal hanging bags and instrument panels—supporting an efficient transition from movement to advanced care delivery.

See It at SHOT Show 2026 Booth #72739

Attendees are invited to visit High Speed Gear booth #72739 at SHOT Show 2026 to view these collaborative medical systems in person and learn more about how High Speed Gear and Phokus Research Group are working together to support warfighter readiness across mission sets.

Posted in Advertiser, Load Carrying, Medical, Press Release, SHOT Show | Comments Off on High Speed Gear and Phokus Research Group to Showcase Collaborative Medical Solutions for Warfighters at SHOT Show 2026

Phokus Highlights Integrated Medical Systems from Discreet Carry to Surgical Care at SHOT Show 2026

Tuesday, January 13th, 2026

LAS VEGAS, NV — Jan 20-23, 2026, Phokus Research Group will present a selection of integrated medical systems at SHOT Show 2026, exhibiting in the ADS Inc. Booth #32103 / Law Enforcement Hall, where the company will showcase scalable solutions spanning discreet everyday carry, individual trauma response, advanced surgical support, and realistic medical simulation products. In addition to the featured products, Phokus will debut more than 20 additional new products across its medical, training, and support product lines during the show.

The lineup reflects Phokus’ role as a medical systems integrator—bringing together in-house design, mission-driven configuration, and strategic manufacturing partnerships to deliver medical solutions built for real-world operational environments.

Discreet / EDC Medical Systems

Vertx Gamut 18L Sling – Phokus Trauma Configuration

Designed for environments where overt medical or tactical equipment is inappropriate, the Phokus Trauma Configuration of the Covert Aid Sling (CAS) provides discreet, organized medical readiness in a low-profile everyday-carry platform. Built on the Vertx Gamut 18L Sling chassis, the system enables rapid access to critical items for trauma management while maintaining a non-descript appearance suitable for civilian, corporate, and executive protection environments.

The configuration prioritizes mobility, intuitive layout, and immediate visual clarity during critical incidents. Offered in scalable trauma loadouts, it allows users to align medical capability with operational risk without changing platforms or compromising discretion—supporting prepared civilians and protection professionals operating in dynamic, public-facing settings.

Individual First Aid Kits (IFAKs) – Modular & Combat-Proven

ORK IFAK (Operator Response Kit)

The ORK IFAK (Operator Response Kit) is a Phokus-configured individual first aid kit built around the High Speed Gear Med Pak pouch, a battle-proven platform recognized for durability, modularity, and rapid access. By leveraging the Med Pak’s established design, the ORK provides a flexible foundation for organized medical carriage across a wide range of operational roles.

Phokus configures the ORK in accordance with Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) guidelines to support mission-driven medical readiness, emphasizing consistent access under stress and a customizable internal organization. Features include a quick-access pull tab, MOLLE compatibility, and a rigid internal organizer panel that is configurable with shock cord and elastic retention, allowing users to tailor the medical carriage while maintaining speed and reliability during self-aid or buddy-aid.

Manufactured by High Speed Gear in the United States and Berry-compliant, the ORK IFAK pairs a trusted pouch platform with Phokus’ configuration expertise to deliver a dependable, operationally relevant medical solution.

Medic & Role 1 Level Systems

Phokus Surgical Ruck (Patent Pending)

The Multi-Mission Medical-Surgical Ruck (M3R-SURG) is a collaboration between Phokus and High Speed Gear, engineered for damage control resuscitation (DCR) and damage control surgery (DCS). Developed to address the demands of advanced care for teams operating in austere, mobile, or forward environments, the system features an external aluminum frame to enhance load carriage. Unlike other solutions on the market, the Surgical Ruck was also designed to store personal sustainment gear (food, water, warming layers), critical for extended operations.

The Surgical Ruck is scalable, agile, and rapidly deployable. It features modular, clear pouches mounted on rigid back panels, enabling teams to configure layouts according to mission requirements. Intended for austere surgical sites, the Surgical Ruck enables the rapid setup of a DCR/DCS capability through internal hanging bags and instrument panels, supporting an efficient transition from movement to advanced care delivery.

Training & Simulation

Wound Torso – In-House Research & Development

Phokus will also showcase its patent-pending Wound Torso task trainer, developed through in-house research and design to support realistic training in hemorrhage control and trauma management. The upper-body task trainer is anatomically configured to simulate complex, high-threat injuries commonly encountered in both military and civilian critical incidents, with emphasis on junctional and non-compressible hemorrhage.

Designed to reinforce TCCC and NREMT principles, the Wound Torso enables responders to train on anatomically relevant wound patterns, treatment priorities, and decision-making under stress. The modular wound cover options allow instructors to tailor scenarios to specific training objectives.

SHOT Show 2026

Phokus Research Group will be exhibiting at SHOT Show 2026 in ADS Inc. Booth #32103 / Law Enforcement Hall, where attendees can view these products in person and engage with the Phokus team on application, configuration, and system integration.

Posted in Advertiser, Medical, Press Release, SHOT Show | Comments Off on Phokus Highlights Integrated Medical Systems from Discreet Carry to Surgical Care at SHOT Show 2026

Developing a 2U LTOWB SOP for Damage Control Resuscitation

Monday, December 22nd, 2025

Managing two to three casualties in the real world from a first-line aid bag is not an ultralight solution in the modern age of DCR and Blood Cold Chain. There is an argument to be made that light and fast is an advantage, which is valid, but “heavier” often equals more capable (a Role 2 is more capable than POI, etc). That’s not to say bring the kitchen sink to the POI, just that efficiencies must be incorporated into the first-line bag to adhere to the standard of care, which includes carrying LTOWB (Low-Titer O neg Whole Blood).

As protocols evolve, medics are asked to perform more tasks during Damage Control Resuscitation (DCR) at the Point of Injury. Due to advances in medical research that have driven protocols over the past 20 years, there is no choice but to increase the average Liter size of the first-line aid bag.

To optimize the most current standard, the two-unit SOP, we have developed a stand-alone aid bag that breaks a few barriers.

Overview of DCR

To understand why the first-line aid bag design must evolve, it’s essential to define the operational challenges it faces. Effective DCR in the field requires maximizing efficiency and minimizing time to treatment. Medics are now expected to perform tasks that entire teams in Level 1 trauma centers often struggle to execute under controlled conditions.

DCR at the Point of Injury includes:

Mastery of TCCC fundamentals

Employing LTOWB at the point of injury, including cold-chain transport and blood warmers

Administering POI medications such as TXA and calcium

An advanced understanding of acute traumatic physiology to manage hemorrhage, optimize resuscitation, and mitigate shock, coagulopathy, and hypocalcemia

M9 Aidbag

Legacy products like the M9 bag paved the way for modern systems, which explains their longevity. But twenty years is a lifetime in this industry– and the M9 is showing its age. It’s heavy for its size (due to outdated construction), inefficient for modern resuscitation (it lacks the capacity to carry 2U of blood), and constrained by space in the main compartment. In short, it no longer meets modern requirements.

What follows is the result of years of advancement in design, manufacturing techniques, and application of DCR principles at the point of injury.

Figure A. M9 vs. CRO 26L: Larger capacity, improved ergonomics, and purpose-built for DCR.

Our design philosophy is to maximize durability without unnecessary bulk– every medic remembers carrying “bomb-proof” gear that is far heavier than it needed to be (ie, STOMP bag).

We use modern materials and construction techniques. By utilizing double-stitch seams and eliminating excess fabric in the name of “strength,” we achieve a lighter product that is equally as “bomb-proof” as legacy milspec standards. This includes removing all edge bindings, doubling as a weight saver with visible workmanship (not hiding sloppy sewing).

Figure B. Increased depth improves closure and eliminates the need for supplementary external pouches.

Figure C. M9 vs CRO DCR 26L

CRO 26L Aid Bag

The CRO 26L represents a deliberate step toward the ultimate goal: fitting all required resuscitation equipment for 2-3 combat wounded (an M9 bag equivalent) into a first-line bag capable of carrying two units of blood, and scaling to Prolonged Casualty Care setups (vents, monitors, etc.). It replaces the RATS pack capacity with a fraction of the offset from the body and offers much better space utilization.

Specifications:

Chassis-opening design

Weight: 3.8 lb (Empty RATS: 8 lb for comparison)

Volume: 26L

Removable waist strap (no hip pads)

Adjustable shoulder straps

Chest strap

Lightweight adjustable chassis

Customizable interior loop field

Figure D. Chassis-opening, complete workstation, optimized for custom organization of resuscitative equipment plus two units LTOWB

Chassis-Opening

This feature is, to our knowledge, first-in-industry. After observing countless trauma lanes, most modern DCR-focused medics primarily work off their belt, making an effort not to drop their aid bag unless the patient needs to be resuscitated with blood. The chassis-opening feature eliminates the need to flip the bag over to access the main compartment. Something that seems so minor is one of the main features gaining attention from our user base.

Combined with its weight, capacity, and configurability, the 26L is designed to support best practices in DCR, including whole-blood resuscitation at the point of injury.

Thank you for your community engagement on this project and for supporting our mission to innovate medical equipment and improve treatment protocols to enable faster, more capable medics.

If you have questions or would like a quote, email us at support@cromedical.com at

cromedical.com/shop/dcr-26l

Posted in Guest Post, Medical | 1 Comment »

MATBOCK Monday – Cobra Sled

Monday, December 8th, 2025

MATBOCK is an industry leader in developing and manufacturing innovative products and technologies for Defense, Law Enforcement and outdoorsmen. One of their best-selling products is called the Cobra Sled which was recently added to a SOCOM program of record to support Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC) operations. This is an option for SOF operators to swap heavier bulky systems for the lightweight, Cobra Sled. The prime is Triablco and if medics are interested in obtaining a Cobra Sleds for their unit, they need to route their requests up to Medical Logistics team.

The Cobra Sled is the lightest and smallest hoistableevacuation sled on the market at only 9lbs (4.1kg) and can easily fit on the small of your back.

The Cobra Sled’s hoist straps are made from 5,500 lbstensile strength Kevlar webbing with Kevlar stitching. An integrated chest harness directly attaches to both the horizontal and vertical hoist straps. There are four front drag straps that create 2 x 10 ft loops for operators to sling and drag forward in a hands-free configuration, as well as stabilizing straps in the back for uneven terrain.

Additionally, the Cobra sled has 4 ways to EXFIL an injured person. Not only can it be dragged but the Cobra sled also has carrying handles for a 4-person litter carry, but you can also use the hoisting straps to create shoulder loops for a hands-free carry. Finally, you can add our lightweight combat carbon fiber poles to do a 2-personlitter carry.

Features:

• Decontamination Ready – Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Material, Kevlar Stitching, Kevlar Webbing

• All straps are included and configured for both vertical and horizontal hoist evacuations, dragging, and carrying. This includes the mission-critical chest harness

• Only weighs 9 pounds (4.1kg)

• Max carrying capacity of 600lbs

• Easy to assemble for quick medical extractions

NSN: 3920-01-694-6803

PATENT: 11,207,226

Product Specs:

• Dimensions

• Rolled: 15” x 10” x 10” (38.1cm x 25.4cm x 25.4cm)

• Deployed: 97” x 40.5” x 1“ (246.38cm x 102.87cm x 2.54cm)

• Weighs: 9lbs (4.1kg)

• Volume: 1,178 cubic inches (19,305 cubic centimeters)

• Material: Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Material, Kevlar Stitching, Kevlar Webbing

To learn more about the Cobra Sled and all the amazing features checkout our YouTube Playlist.

Email sales@matbock.com for more details.

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Medical | Comments Off on MATBOCK Monday – Cobra Sled

Milipol 25 – Combat Clean

Thursday, December 4th, 2025

Combat Clean is a product from Sweden’s Zymiq and serves a dental enzyme to keep your teeth clean even in the field and has the added benefit of fresh breath.

Combat Clean comes in two formulations, one for general man’s and the other for our K9 companions. The version for humans is a lozenge format and the version for pups is a spray.

www.zymiq.com/brands/combat-clean

Posted in K9, Medical, Milipol | Comments Off on Milipol 25 – Combat Clean

On a Mission to Measure What Matters, Team Wendy Shares New DREW Data

Wednesday, October 29th, 2025

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Oct. 29, 2025 – Team Wendy®, a leading provider of innovative head protection systems, presented at the recent Personal Armour Systems Symposium (PASS) held in Bruges, Belgium, where company researchers shared new findings on DREW (Dummy for Rotational Evaluation of Wearables), including a paper published in the proceedings. Aiming to advance helmet testing from traditional linear drops to encompass rotational events, Team Wendy is on a mission to change the way the industry measures head impacts.

Who’s DREW?

Developed by Team Wendy, DREW is a biofidelic (behaves like the human body) helmet-test rig built to simulate real head-to-ground falls and capture both linear and rotational head motion (something legacy linear-drop tests miss). It uses a 50th-percentile Hybrid-III head, neck and torso on a pivoting assembly to recreate front, rear and side impacts, as well as to study both head-direct and whiplash-induced events.

“We want to measure how the brain responds to complex impacts, in ways that we still don’t understand well enough, so we can inform better products and standards going forward,” said Ron Szalkowski, head of R&D at Team Wendy and co-author of the PASS paper. “DREW helps move that conversation beyond linear drops to the rotational forces associated with concussion and other forms of traumatic brain injury (TBI).”

What Team Wendy Discovered

The PASS paper compared Team Wendy’s standard EXFIL® Ballistic helmet liner to a high-density foam ballistic liner tuned for DOT/monorail drops (where the helmeted head form is guided straight down onto an anvil at relatively high impact speeds). Using DREW in a rear, whiplash-induced configuration, as well as a front, direct impact configuration, the foam ballistic liner produced higher head loads (peak linear and angular acceleration) with no meaningful gain reduction in peak angular velocity.

“The foam liner was associated with more jolting to the head, both straight-on and in a twisting motion,” Szalkowski said. “Think of it like tuning a car’s performance on a treadmill, only to learn that it struggles with bumps and turns in the road. The danger is that a helmet design can look good on paper, but increased rigidity, for instance, does not necessarily help you in a real fall.”

The PASS poster also showed how DREW can mimic a real parachute landing. Researchers used sensor data from mouthguards worn by paratroopers to study the rotational dynamics linked to concussion-inducing, head-to-ground impacts. Then they tuned the rig (adjusting the drop angle and whiplash distance) until DREW matched the data within 4%.

“This gives our engineers a realistic target to design helmets against, and it could go so far as to inform future revisions to test procedures and performance criteria,” Szalkowski added.

Headstrong for Safety

Team Wendy’s initiatives at PASS showcase a profound commitment to comprehensive, peer-reviewed research that raises the benchmarks for head protection. Based on these insights, the company is advancing with DREW evaluations across different helmet categories and is supplying data to aid standards development efforts in partnership with academic and governmental entities. To request the PASS paper and poster, please reach out to Sara Jonas, global director of marketing, atsjonas@teamwendy.com. The paper is also available via PASS proceedings.

This material is founded on research funded by the U.S. Office of Naval Research through PANTHER award number N00014-21-1-2916. Team Wendy expresses gratitude to the partners at Robert Morris University for their contributions to FEA modeling and for the RISE3D injury metric utilized in DREW studies.

Posted in Advertiser, Helmets, Medical, Press Release | Comments Off on On a Mission to Measure What Matters, Team Wendy Shares New DREW Data