The Expanding Role of the U.S. Army Paramedic

The combat medic (68W) will play a critical role in medical operations in the event of future large-scale combat operations (LSCOs). However, the combat medic is largely not prepared for LSCOs. The revised Medical Education and Demonstration of Individual Competence (TC 8-800) state 68Ws much be able to provide advanced airway and trauma management, medication administration, and advanced casualty movement. To meet the increased prehospital medical demands under LSCOs, the U.S. Army should require the Battalion, Brigade, and Division Medical Readiness Noncommisioned Officers (NCOs) to be Nationally Registered Paramedics (who are identified with the 3P Additional Skill Identifier [ASI]). They should have the responsibility to oversee the wartime medical skills sustainment of Combat Medic Specialists (68W) within their organization. These paramedics should drive medical simulation training events and improve current operation medical skills training. These medical readiness NCOs should attend the Medic Master Training Course and serve as advisors to commanders on the status of medic skill readiness within their organization. Commanders will be able to utilize these paramedics to augment the ongoing medical training of their medics to ensure they are operating at the fullest extent of their scope of practice.