University of Tampa, US Army train combat medics

Photo credit: Melissa Culp

The Army Medical Department School of Health Readiness andthe University of Tampa PA Medicine program (UTPAM) collaborated on a trainingfor combat medics. Known in the military as “68 Whiskeys” (68W), the combatmedic specialists are primarily responsible for providing emergency medicaltreatment at the point of wounding on the battlefield, limited primary care,and coordination of evacuation from the battlefield or location of injury to a higherlevel of medical care.

Combat medics are often called upon during peacetime toprovide humanitarian aid during natural or other disasters or during wartime toprovide medical care to foreign nationals. They must therefore maintain theirprimary care knowledge and skills as well as emergency medical skills. This isaccomplished through 16 weeks of initial advanced individual training.Following initial training, and to keep their medic qualification current, theymust certify annually. This is often completed through the 68W sustainmentreadiness-training program (SRTP). The United States Army Reserve 7222ndMedical Support Unit based in Tampa, Florida, is one of the sites that conductsthis training quarterly, reviewing both trauma and emergency medical tasks.

When CPT Johnna Yealy, department chair of the UTPAMprogram, assumed the role of medical officer in charge of SRTP training for the7222nd, she saw an opportunity to bring together her civilian and militaryroles. While planning the training with SFC Case Dewinkle, SRTP coursecoordinator and training coordinator for the 7222nd, they realized they wouldneed to use simulators for the emergency childbirth practical exercise —simulators that the University of Tampa had available, as well as a host ofother task trainers. As department chair, Yealy was able to organize access andinstruction with this equipment.

“There is no doubt that these medics will deliver a baby atsome point in their military career, either during a natural disaster responseor while stationed on a base in wartime, so this training is invaluable inincreasing their ability and confidence in this essential skill,” statedDewinkle.

To round out the training day, the medics received suturinginstruction and practice as well as an update on chemical, biological,radiation, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) exposure and treatment, including atour of the CBRNE incident ambulance.

The event was such a success that UTPAM and the Army’sSchool of Health Readiness are discussing partnering on future trainings.

Source: PAEA