Medic Training at Military-Civilian Partnerships-A Narrative Review

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Military Medicine
• Trauma Care

Background:

• Military-Civilian Partnerships (MCP) aim to maintain combat medical readiness during peacetime.
• While historically focused on physician training, MCP now increasingly support non-physician military medical personnel, including combat medics.
• The effectiveness and scalability of MCP for medic training require further definition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and characterize the current state of combat medic training within Military-Civilian Partnerships.
• To assess the effectiveness, scalability, and alignment of MCP training with operational requirements.

Main Methods:

• A narrative literature review was conducted using major databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus) and grey literature from 2000-2025.
• Studies focusing on MCP curricula, clinical exposure, and educational outcomes for combat medics were included.
• Data were qualitatively synthesized to describe MCP models, training environments, assessment strategies, and outcomes.

Main Results:

• Nine studies met inclusion criteria, detailing MCP curricula and sites.
• MCP participation correlated with improved self-reported medic confidence, but objective skill gains were modest or inconsistent.
• Training often involved observation, with limited reporting on clinical involvement and rare descriptions of medic-specific curricula or standardized assessments.

Conclusions:

• Current MCP provide perceived educational value for combat medics but fall short in addressing specific readiness and scalability needs.
• Standardized curricula, interoperable training standards, and objective assessment tools are needed to optimize MCP benefits for medics.
• Aligning training with evolving operational demands and fostering diverse partnerships can enhance military medical readiness and national trauma system contributions.