Bridging the Deployment Readiness Gap: A Narrative Review of Train-the-Trainer Best Practices to Inform a Critical Care Air Transport Skills Sustainment Program

Our synthesis offers an evidence-informed cohesive framework spanning the life cycle of a TTT program, from design through longitudinal implementation, addressing sustainability concerns. Key elements for success included stakeholder support, learning competencies, experiential hands-on practice, educator toolkit, and CoP. Future studies should compare program components, evaluate the optimal blend of methods, explore virtual options, and assess long-term system impact. By applying best practices to developing a CCAT educator course, we aim to empower local units to deliver critical sustainment training and close the operational readiness gap across the USAF enterprise, saving lives and bringing heroes home.