Osan Medics train for battlefield care

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Matthew Davis | Medics from the 51st Medical Group treat a simulated patient during a two day Tactical Combat Casualty Care training course on Sept. 25, 2019, at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea. The training is part of an Air Force wide initiative to better prepare medics to serve in a variety of environments and mission conditions to better support the warfighter. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Matt Davis)  

SOUTH KOREA

09.25.2019

Story by Tech. Sgt. Matthew Davis 

51st Fighter Wing

Medics from the 51st Medical Group participated in multiple two day Tactical Combat Casualty Care training courses recently at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea. TCCC is a joint training course that provides medical personnel with capabilities to serve in hostile combat conditions.

The training is part of an Air Force-wide initiative to better prepare medics to serve in a variety of environments and mission conditions to better support the warfighter. Part of the initiative is to eventually phase out the current Self Aid and Buddy Care Program for all Airmen and implement TCCC as the standard.

“TCCC allows medics to deliver care in the combat environment with the intent of saving lives by utilizing critical medication and treatment protocols,” said Master Sgt. Aaron Roberts, 51st MDG primary care flight chief. “It is also mandated as part of our Air Force Comprehensive Medical Readiness Program to ensure we are trained appropriately.”

Team Osan medics spent the first day of training in a classroom setting learning advanced skills in battlefield medical care. Day two allowed medics to apply these techniques during simulated care-under-fire scenarios, while also learning how to shoot, move and communicate while treating patients in a hostile environment.

Instructor teams from the Minnesota Air National Guard’s 109th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron helped 51st MDG medics through each training scenario. Once a scenario was completed, the training cadre worked with each team to critique decisions made in the field.

“The most rewarding part of this training is being able to operate at the pinnacle of my scope practice,” Roberts said. “Additionally, being challenged to navigate and treat patients in environments and circumstances that I have never been exposed to.”

According to Air Force Surgeon General Public Affairs, the lessons developed in the course are battle-proven tactics currently used downrange in deployed locations.

“It’s important for Air Force medics to get this type of training to save lives. If this evidence-based training is standardized and taught to all warfighters, it could prevent needless deaths on the battlefield,” Roberts said.

For more information on the Air Force transitioning from SABC to TCCC, check out the below article:

https://www.airforcemedicine.af.mil/News/Display/Article/1820423/new-training-prepares-airmen-to-save-lives/

• Date Taken: 09.25.2019
• Date Posted: 10.07.2019 14:14
• Story ID: 346349
• Location: KR