Prolonged Field Care Podcast 133: PFC Update SOMSA 23

There are operational environments where the training we provide in the Prolonged Field Care Collective can benefit medics and other providers. We have trained numerous individuals from various special operations and international communities, as well as conventional forces. The challenge lies in the training and the operational context. We adhere to doctrinal timelines for casualties, which vary based on the severity of injuries. It's important to understand the complexity of the operating environment and tailor care accordingly. In the past, there have been issues with overclassifying all patients as urgent, leading to adverse outcomes. While there are ongoing discussions and efforts to standardize terminology and lexicons, we will continue our work and problem-solving under the Prolonged Field Care name.

PFC encompasses robust planning, hands-on training, and a strategy for palliative care. Education and training are different, and it's crucial to get hands dirty to truly understand the challenges. We have encountered complex problems in our field and collaborated with various stakeholders, including the Morpheus Group, to crowdsource solutions. Irregular warfare medical support shares similarities with prolonged field care, and there are similar activities worldwide. The aim is to strengthen countries' capabilities to stand on their own during conflicts or degraded civilian infrastructure situations.

Training opportunities abound, even in busy schedules, and it's important to optimize and utilize available resources. Feedback and lessons learned from different entities are invaluable. Additionally, initiatives like National Stop the Bleed Month contribute to increased resiliency and readiness, both domestically and internationally. However, it's crucial to understand the legal and operational aspects of medical support in different regions.

Humility is key when approaching international missions, as we can learn from past mistakes. By simplifying the complex landscape and using self-guided assessments, we can identify areas for improvement. Global health engagement plays a significant role, as Special Forces have been involved in improving medical care in underserved populations. Civil Affairs and SF have historically been engaged in global health initiatives, and it remains an important aspect of our work.

So, despite ongoing discussions and potential changes in terminology, the focus remains on providing effective care in prolonged field care scenarios.

Thank you to Delta Development Team for in part, sponsoring this podcast.

[robertdole]

The largest hurtle conventional forces face is REQUIREMENTS. Currently AR 350-1 and TC 8-800, have completely anemic requirements that a commander MUST do. All the great medical courses in the world will just go in attended unless there is a requirements that tells a commander that he MUST send his medics to that course.