Special Forces Medic Information

[J. Walsh]

SPECIAL FORCES MEDIC

 

 

The Special Forces Medic is the latest role addition to the United Kingdom Special Forces Group. Formed in the late 2010s, the need for the Special Forces Medic became apparent in Special Forces due to the lack of personnel taking pre-existing combat medical technician roles. Special Forces Medics are assigned at a Squadron level as part of a Close Support Cell and from there are dished out to Troops as and when they're needed. This Close Support Cell is usually led by a Medical Officer who organises and tasks the Special Forces Medics working underneath him. The Special Forces Medic role has taken many of the tasks of the predecessor Medical Support Unit, leaving the latter to be more administration based. Special Forces Medics will often be found at the back of the stack to ensure they're safe to render medical aid if need be.

The Special Forces Medic Close Support Cell assigned to Z Squadron are specialised operators who have undergone a long and intensive selection and training process, Special Forces Medics are masters of their trade and well versed in all forms of combat medicine. A Special Forces Medic is tasked with:

- Role 1 & 2 Medical Support
- Medical Plans
- Medical Emergency Response Team
- Medical Emergency Response Team Enhanced

- Medical Close Support

In order to be accepted into the Special Forces Medic role, candidates will undergo Selection. This is somewhat similar to Joint Special Forces Selection. Whilst candidates for the generalist units are in the Tactical and Jungle Training phase, aspiring Special Forces Medics will learn the following:

- Role of SFM
- Intro to A&P
- Mechanism of Injury
- Phases of Care
- Basic Life Support
- MARCH
- Airway
- Respiratory

- Circulation

- Triage

- Advanced Life Support

- Handover/Takeover

- Practical Examinations

- Assessments on Theory and Practical

- Medical Emergency Response Team

After completion of Selection, they will be run through a mil skills spec package run by members of the generalist units. This will bring them up to speed on Standard Operating Procedures employed by the unit.

"Not for ourselves, but for others."