The Most Frequently Requested Precombat Refresher Training by the Special Forces Medics during Operation Enduring Freedom

Abstract

The tactical environment and the mission given the Special Operations Forces in Afghanistan during the initial phases of Operation Enduring Freedom placed the Special Operations Forces medics (18Ds) in a position of significant medical responsibility. The 18Ds became the primary care providers for the indigenous anti-Taliban fighters as well as U.S. military personnel; the care of the latter was further complicated by long evacuation times. Because of these issues and several events that occurred in the combat zone, the 18Ds requested their supporting forward surgical team (FST) (274th FST) to provide specific refresher training before combat deployment into Afghanistan. The areas of greatest interest and concern were orthopedics, field transfusions, and field-expedient anesthesia. It is hoped that the training prepared and given to the 18Ds by the personnel of the 274th FST and presented in this article not only was useful to them but also will be of benefit to 18Ds who find themselves in similar situations in the future.