TLDR20
Verified SOF
- Joined
- Jan 7, 2009
- Messages
- 6,260
This is probably the most detailed description of the pipeline for 18D I've yet to read. I understand that the main focus would be on learning to treat acute trauma, but I'm just curious; it seems like some of the subjects are only touched upon very briefly (the writer mentions pediatrics, dental, etc.) Is this because this is deemed to be not as important/less likely to be needed, or will the soldier receive further training in these subjects upon reaching an ODA? I'm wondering what rough percentage of time is spent towards the combat medicine side of things vs skills/knowledge that would be used to help "win the hearts and minds of the people."
Thanks for keeping this thread up to date. It's very eye-opening and informative.
Good questions, trauma is actually the easiest part to teach, and imo learn. Trina is formulaic, particularly if you have a good understanding of anatomy and the physiology of shock states.
Hands on skills aren't particularly difficult individually, however the difficulty mounts with stress and time limits, a Hawkeyes Green Beret,SEAL, or SARC standing over you is also a little stressful...
The bottom line is way more time is devoted to sick call medicine, and other types of stuff because you do way way more of it. An 18D is the first call for his teammates when anyone gets sick, or hurt. Sometimes guys have you go with their family members to the ED, just to make sure everyone gets it right.
Dental is the easiest block. The anatomy isn't crazy and at most we are either pulling teeth or putting in a temporary fix. We aren't dentists. PEDS is for the most part small adults in our view. We aren't doing pediatric dialysis or cancer treatments.