Initial report on special operations clinical training at a civilian academic medical center.
The journal of trauma and acute care surgery · 2023-05-15 · Observational study
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Military-civilian partnerships for combat casualty care skills training have mostly focused on traditional, combat surgical team training. We sought to better understand US Special Forces (SF) Medics' training at West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia, a Level 1 trauma center, via assessments of medical knowledge, clinical skills confidence, and technical performance. METHODS: Special Forces Medics were evaluated using posttraining medical knowledge tests, procedural skills confidence surveys (using a 5-point Likert scale), and technical skills assessments using fresh perfused cadavers in a simulated combat casualty care environment. Data from these tests, surveys, and assessments were analyzed for 18 consecutive SF medic rotations from the calendar years 2019 through 2021. RESULTS: A total of 108 SF Medics' tests, surveys, and assessments were reviewed. These SF Medics had an average of 5.3 years of active military service; however, deployed experience was minimal (73% never deployed). Review of knowledge testing demonstrated a slight increase in mean test score between the precourse (80% ± 14%; range, 50-100%) when compared with the postcourse (82% ± 14%; range, 50-100%). Skills confidence scores increased between courses, specifically within the point of injury care ( p = 0.09) and prolonged field care ( p < 0.001). Technical skills assessments included cricothyroidotomy, chest tube insertion, and tourniquet placement. CONCLUSION: This study provides preliminary evidence supporting military-civilian partnerships at an academic Level 1 trauma center to provide specialty training to SF Medics as demonstrated by increase in medical knowledge and confidence in procedural skills. Additional opportunities exist for the development technical skills assessments. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic/Care Management; Level IV.
Abstract © the authors or publisher, via PubMed. Reuse and removal
Tags
Cricothyroidotomy · Military & tactical · Tourniquet
Related articles
- A comparison of live tissue training and high-fidelity patient simulator: A pilot study in battlefield trauma training. (J Trauma Acute Care Surg, 2015)
- Training and Assessing Critical Airway, Breathing, and Hemorrhage Control Procedures for Trauma Care: Live Tissue Versus Synthetic Models. (Acad Emerg Med, 2018)
- Procedure-Dependent Relationship Between Procedural Volume and Self-Perceived Mastery: A Two-Year Analysis of a Military-Civilian Emergency Training Program. (Anaesth Crit Care Pain Med, 2026)
- Clinical Situations and Medical Procedures Performed by French Combat Medics in Military Operations: Implications for Training and Doctrine. (Mil Med, 2025)
- Telementorship in Underway Naval Operations: Leveraging Operational Virtual Health for Tactical Combat Casualty Care. (J Spec Oper Med, 2021)
- Advise and Assist: A Basic Medical Skills Course for Partner Forces. (J Spec Oper Med, 2017)