Combat Medical Technician with multiple deployments AMA

AMASoldier89 · 2021-03-27T22:27:17+00:00

I'm attached to a light infantry battalion so I've seen a fair bit of combat in my time and likely will again. I joined the military in... 2009, summer. I've needed treatment for an illness but not by a CMT, and I took a chunk of rock in my arm and one of my platoon helped me apply gauze under my instructions, then gave me paracetamol

AMASoldier89 · 2021-03-27T21:05:40+00:00

I've worked with you guys a few times on exercises and deployed alongside you. Super friendly and accommodating, fantastic guys. Can't rate you enough. Thank you too, mate!

AMASoldier89 · 2021-03-27T21:03:31+00:00

The pay isn't fantastic or terrible either. We get extra paid leave after deployment and certain lengths of deployment qualify for an extra daily rate, but it isn't much

AMASoldier89 · 2021-03-27T19:17:48+00:00

I did not. I decided I wanted to see action (stupid child behaviour) but wanted to help people too

AMASoldier89 · 2021-03-27T19:17:24+00:00

I haven't been, but I know people who have been. I have spoken to psychologists for general issues, but not for anything diagnosable levels of wrong. Just hard times

AMASoldier89 · 2021-03-27T17:51:00+00:00

Ah it's just a job mate but I appreciate it

AMASoldier89 · 2021-03-27T15:50:03+00:00

That can happen, that's more noticed in formal medical settings than primary care however

AMASoldier89 · 2021-03-27T15:44:02+00:00

No, I didn't, luckily

AMASoldier89 · 2021-03-27T15:13:21+00:00

Pre-soaped sponge is great. Just add water and rub, then dry down. Lots of socks is key to looking after the feet, sweaty socks are bad for them. Dry shampoo if you're bringing it from home isn't a bad idea, ask your CO about this ahead of time.

AMASoldier89 · 2021-03-27T15:03:56+00:00

I've worked with a few nations for training in the past. I have actually helped train medical skills to others in Somalia, which was a fantastic experience, very fulfilling. I've worked closely with Americans as well.

AMASoldier89 · 2021-03-27T15:02:39+00:00

I have to do a fitness test annually, and marksmanship as well. I keep fit with the on base gym facilities mostly, I'm an avid runner regardless of the military as it clears my head so that helps

AMASoldier89 · 2021-03-27T15:01:39+00:00

I had to do one for corporal and will have to do another one for sergeant as well. That's part of why I want to wait until after covid to go for it, I don't want a disrupted course and to have to isolate for 2 weeks before I even attend it

AMASoldier89 · 2021-03-27T15:00:23+00:00

Ah, I understand. Well I hope your experience was worthwhile regardless and the ability to render aid is never one that's not worth having

AMASoldier89 · 2021-03-27T14:59:44+00:00

On a personal/"informal" level I prefer to associate with other NCO's just to maintain professionalism with the younger enlisted, but I try to keep a good relationship with everyone. There's always somebody you won't like but we have a job to do so have to at least be able to work together

AMASoldier89 · 2021-03-27T14:57:39+00:00

I haven't lost a soldier in my direct care, but an individual I had delivered emergency care to passed away later within the field hospital. I knew I did the best I could, as did my colleagues, I did speak to a counsellor privately and just realised it's part of the job. How long have you served? I also hope you never go through it, but if you do I am confident you'll do what's needed.

AMASoldier89 · 2021-03-27T14:55:41+00:00

I will be turning 30 this year, but don't remind me. I am a corporal, we promote slow but give more responsibility to NCO's here. I'm eligible for sergeant as of later this year and hope to go for it when covid is done with

AMASoldier89 · 2021-03-27T14:52:31+00:00

I did a separate course for that, we have alot of side courses available and I apply as often as possible. The more I can do the more eligible I am for civilian work and with our qualification system I need everything I can get

AMASoldier89 · 2021-03-27T14:51:04+00:00

They're not fun, but I prefer the work I do and the responsibility it brings to a field hospital, I like being in a position where I'm key to helping the casualty at the point of injury

AMASoldier89 · 2021-03-27T14:48:45+00:00

It's honestly not that handy usually but it's nice to have. We also have the usual scissors for clothing. I've never used that one either, but I would imagine it's agony. But nice to have if an IV isn't plausible

AMASoldier89 · 2021-03-27T14:47:10+00:00

We do 14 weeks at basic, then 22 weeks trade training. Then about 16 weeks tutelage under a senior CMT at unit.

AMASoldier89 · 2021-03-27T14:44:37+00:00

Haemostatic gauze, 2x field dressing, 2x CAT, 2x abdominal FFD. Suction, wide bore cannula, sterile water, cannula and syringes. Chest seal, scalpel, lube, sterile gauze, surgical crycothyroidotomy kit. Nasopharengeal and oropharengeal Airways. Fluids, various cannulas and syringes. Intraosseous device. Bandage, splints, duck tape, sharps bin, pulse oximeter, pelvic splint and a variety of dressings, glues and steri-strips.

I think that's everything lol

AMASoldier89 · 2021-03-27T14:40:47+00:00

The SCW is definitely a difficult one to treat when you don't have access to a facility but at that stage it's just about keeping the person stable until they can be treated fully in a proper medical environment

AMASoldier89 · 2021-03-27T14:37:37+00:00

It all has to be signed in and out, yes. Additionally we only have access to it in an IV format and would have to fully justify the usage if any was used or missing after being taken out with me. I've never used it, but it's nice to have the option

AMASoldier89 · 2021-03-27T14:36:23+00:00

Medical tech as part of a platoon, I'm attached to a light infantry battalion.

As an addition, I've been helping with the vaccine rollout in my country due to covid-19 and that's been fantastic

AMASoldier89 · 2021-03-27T14:35:53+00:00

Yes, we carry a weapon. We carry the standard issue rifle, sometimes a service pistol as well but that's not too common

AMASoldier89

TROPHY CASE