I’ve previously posted about the 68Whiskey Combat Medic (AKA Health Care Specialist) during my last deployment. That post was focused on the “line” medic, who’s job is dedicated to providing point-of-injury care during the battle. Our medics take on a broader variety of responsibilities. They are integral to the assessment, care and management of our patients from the time they enter the emergency room, to the time that they are evacuated. They obtain IV access and vital signs, assist in evaluation of the patient, and help the surgeons with emergency procedures. The photo above is illustrative of the broader experience that medics can get while attached to an FST or CSH. They can assist in operative procedures and gain further understanding of wounds and their operative management. Finally, they continue to care for the patients in the ICU until their eventual evacuation. Today’s salute is for all the 68W combat medics.
