Tactical Combat Casualty Care Training, Knowledge, and Utilization in the US Army
Jennifer M Gurney1, Caryn A Stern1, Russ S Kotwal1
1Joint Trauma System, DoD Center of Excellence for Trauma, 3611 Chambers Dr, Joint Base San Antonio, Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX 78234.
Military Medicine
|February 20, 2020
Summary
US Army medical providers show low confidence in medic
Area of Science:
- Military Medicine
- Trauma Care
- Prehospital Medicine
Background:
- Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) is vital for prehospital trauma care in combat.
- Recognized as a critical wartime task by the Department of Defense.
- This study assesses TCCC training, understanding, and utilization among US Army medical providers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the current state of TCCC training and application within the US Army.
- To assess provider confidence in medics' TCCC skill proficiency.
- To identify factors influencing TCCC utilization and effectiveness.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was administered to US Army Physicians and Physician Assistants.
- The survey, developed by the Committee on TCCC, used anonymous electronic communication.
- Logistic regression analyses were performed on survey data.
Main Results:
- Less than 60% of respondents were confident in medics' ability to perform all TCCC skills.
- Providers with higher perceived medic TCCC training completion reported greater confidence.
- Analysis included TCCC test scores, confidence in medic utilization, and ketamine use.
Conclusions:
- Continued TCCC training and utilization are essential for combat personnel.
- Enhancing medic proficiency in TCCC skills is crucial for battlefield survivability.
- Addressing confidence gaps in TCCC abilities can improve casualty care outcomes.
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