Maintenance window scheduled to begin at February 14th 2200 est. until 0400 est. February 15th

(e.g. yourname@email.com)

Forgot Password?

    Defense Visual Information Distribution Service Logo

    ASTP success continues to grow

    Army Specialized Training Program

    Photo By Maj. Chad Nixon | Staff Sgt. Derek Dobell, a combat medic with the 396th Combat Support Hospital, 807th...... read more read more

    FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, WA, UNITED STATES

    05.02.2015

    Story by Capt. Chad Nixon 

    807th Medical Command (Deployment Support)

    FAIRCHILD Air Force Base, Wash. - The War Room, the House of Pain and the Kill House are just a few of the names given by noncommissioned officers to describe the final day of testing during the six-day Army Specialized Training Program (ASTP), which took place April 27 – May 2.

    The 396th Combat Support Hospital, 807th Medical Command (Deployment Support), provided combat medics classroom instruction with hands-on training that culminated with the final phase of testing simulating some of the difficulties medics may face during combat.

    “I create a training scenario and what you see is what you get,” explained Staff Sgt. Derek Doball, an instructor with the 396th. “Once the evaluation starts, soldiers are on their own to use the items they have and the skills we taught them.”

    The idea of providing medical care to a wounded Soldier during battle would be taxing enough, but when you add in other soldier skills like leadership, the scenario can quickly become overwhelming.

    Spc. Kyler Hood, a medic and team leader for the final phase, learned how quickly chaos can ensue.

    “As team leader for the exercise, I was mentally preparing myself for the unexpected,” said Hood. “The idea of having to take over as squad leader was in the back of my mind, but I hoped it wouldn’t happen.”

    Within seconds of the exercise, Hood found himself in charge once instructors wounded his squad leader, forcing him to take the lead.

    “Things were quickly changing - my entire scope changed,” stated Hood. “I was no longer just in charge of providing medical care. I had a team to direct, orders to give and it became chaotic.”

    Unlike many other job fields in the Army, medics are required to attend this training yearly to maintain their Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).

    “Our program is designed to meet the annual training and sustainment requirements for our combat medics,” said Master Sgt. Joshua Davis, the noncommissioned officer in charge of plans and training for the 807th Medical Command based in Salt Lake City. “Ultimately, our medics must maintain their certification with the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians to be considered job qualified in the Army.”

    Davis, who currently manages the program sees many positive aspects that the training brings.

    “We currently maintain 20 accredited training sites across the western two-thirds of the United States and are successful for a number of reasons,” explained Davis. “The biggest two are the leadership emphasis from our noncommissioned officers, and our nurses, physician assistants and doctors who help execute this training."

    Having available training sites across the country can assist Soldiers outside of the reserve component meet their requirements also.

    “There isn’t a lot of medical units in the state,” said Sgt. James Hanrahan, a combat medic assigned to the 144th Army Support Liaison Detachment with the Washington National Guard. “Having this class helps myself and other guard medics get the training we need to stay current, keep our MOS and practice the lifesaving skills needed to care for Soldiers.”

    LEAVE A COMMENT

    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 05.02.2015
    Date Posted: 05.06.2015 12:59
    Story ID: 162424
    Location: FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, WA, US

    Web Views: 298
    Downloads: 1

    PUBLIC DOMAIN