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68W (pronounced as sixty-eight whiskey using the NATO phonetic alphabet) is the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) for the United States Army's Combat Medic. 68Ws are primarily responsible for providing emergency medical treatment at point of wounding on the battlefield, limited primary care, and health protection and evacuation from a point of injury or illness. 68Ws are certified as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). However, 68Ws often have a scope of practice much wider than that of civilian EMTs. This specialty is open to males and females with minimum line scores of 107 GT and 101 ST on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB).

Description

Known administratively as "Combat Medic Specialist" (formerly "Health Care Specialist"), the primary role of combat medics in the U.S. Army is to provide medical treatment and, if necessary, combat casualty care to injured soldiers and their dependents. 68Ws serve as the first echelon of care, accompanying units as small as platoons and as large as battalions during training and deployments. 68Ws provide initial emergency medical care, medical evacuation, and supervision to other soldiers with medical training (such as those trained as Combat Lifesavers) as well as provide medical advice to the unit's chain of command. In addition to emergency medical support, 68Ws provide paraprofessional medical care in military medical treatment facilities to soldiers, military dependents, and authorized civilian personnel. In this capacity, 68Ws work under the supervision and purview of physician assistants and physicians, while working alongside other medical professionals.

68Ws are initially trained as Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technicians (at the EMT-B level) with additional training in trauma and U.S. Army specific techniques and procedures. Maintenance of civilian accreditation is currently required, and further education is commonly offered, including the opportunity to add additional skill training through military and civilian education. Currently, only the U.S. Army requires their medics to maintain civilian accreditation in order to graduate from training and continue working as a 68W. Civilian equivalents are difficult to assess given the broad range of skills and training 68Ws may have but most, without additional specialized training, are trained in or work in areas overlapping civilian EMTs, medical assistants, patient administration personnel, office managers, schedulers, ambulance drivers, pharmacy technicians, phlebotomists, patient care assistants, and others. Senior 68Ws who have been promoted as non-commissioned officers generally assume more administrative duties in treatment facilities while training and supervising junior 68Ws.

Skill Identifiers

Additional Skill Identifiers (ASI) are awarded to personnel with additional training in a particular specialty and affects what positions a soldier holding the skill identifier may be assigned to. These are tacked on to a 68W's MOS code. For example, a 68W trained as a Flight Paramedic would be known as a 68WF2. Majority of the previously used ASIs were changed to become entirely different MOS codes with their own specific training.

Currently used ASIs

F2 is a U.S. Army Flight Paramedic.
W1 is a 68W who completed the Special Operations Combat Medic course.
Y8 is an Allergy and Immunology Specialist.
3P is a Nationally Registered Paramedic.
1P is a 68W who has completed the United States Army Airborne School E4 and below.
2P is a 68W who has completed the United States Army Airborne School for E5.
3P is a 68W who has completed the United States Army Airborne School for E6.
4P is a 68W who has completed the United States Army Airborne School for E7.

Previously used ASIs

P1 is an Orthopedic Specialist. P1 is now Identified as MOS 68B.
M6 is a Practical Nursing Specialist. M6 is now identified as MOS 68C.
N9 is a Physical Therapy Specialist. N9 is now identified as MOS 68F.
N3 is an Occupational Therapy Specialist. N3 is now identified as MOS 68L.
Y6 is a Cardiovascular Specialist. Y6 is now identified as MOS 68N.
P2 is an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Specialist. P2 is now identified as MOS 68U.
P3 is an Optometry Specialist. P3 is now identified as MOS 68Y.

History

Currently known as 68W, the Army's basic medical MOS was changed, effective October 1, 2006. During the Vietnam War era, the MOS code was 91A.

The Department of the Army Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel issued a notice for future change for the MOS 91B and 91C (Licensed Practical Nurse) in September 1999. The notice established the transition of personnel holding both MOSs to 91W to begin on 1 October 2001 and end on 30 September 2007. The 91W MOS required additional training and the maintenance of civilian EMT certification, which was previously optional for soldiers. U.S. Army personnel holding the MOS 91C would become 91Ws (and later 68Ws) with an additional skill identifier of M6. During the transitory period, all 91B and 91C classified soldiers were given the Y2 identifier until completion of additional training to become 91W, reclassification to a different MOS, or discharge from the U.S. Army.

The administrative title of 68W has also undergone minute changes. Previously known simply as the Combat Medic, it was changed to Health Care Specialist to assist soldiers in obtaining civilian equivalency when comparing skills learned in the U.S. Army to their civilian counterparts. It was changed into the more familiar Combat Medic Specialist to preserve the name and reputation that has already been established by the MOS. Colloquially, 68Ws are referred to as "Doc" when they have garnered the trust and confidence of the infantrymen they are assigned to take care of, a title that is not easily earned.

Medal of Honor Recipients

Notable Medal of Honor recipients who served as combat medics include Desmond Doss, Joseph G. LaPointe Jr.,Lawrence Joel, Thomas W. Bennett, Gary M. Rose, Edgar Lee McWethy Jr., and David B. Bleak.

Training and assignment

After the completion of Basic Combat Training (BCT), soldiers training for the MOS 68W ship to Fort Sam Houston, Texas for Advanced Individual Training (AIT). Training typically lasts for 16 weeks and includes a combination of lectures and practical exercises conducted both in the field and the classroom. The first two months of the course focuses on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Basic Life Support (BLS), and EMT skills and concludes with written and practical examinations. Prospective 68Ws must pass the NREMT certification exam (with a maximum of six attempts) in order to proceed into the U.S. Army specific course known as the "Whiskey Phase." Soldiers unable to pass the NREMT are reclassified into a different MOS according to the needs of the U.S. Army.

Whiskey Phase comprises the final two months of the 68W's training and consists of military emergency medicine, dismounted patrols, military operations in urban terrain (MOUT), and military-specific medical evacuation procedures. 68Ws are trained in additional medical skills that they are only authorized to perform in a military setting, as their EMT scope of practice more is limited. These additional skills are centralized on Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) guidelines and include emergency cricothyroidotomy, fluid resuscitation, medication administration (intraosseous, intravenous, and intramuscular), treatment of puncture wounds, treatment of arterial bleeding, and use of tourniquets for severe lacerations and/or amputations.

After assignment to a unit, 68Ws may, at the discretion of their unit's Physician Assistant (PA), learn any number of advanced skills. Topics are generally prescribed per each unit's functional role. For example, 68Ws assigned to an infantry unit (known colloquially as a line medic) may learn about advanced trauma treatments including venous cutdowns, placement of chest tubes, or use of special hemorrhage control methods. Oftentimes, the 68W is responsible for an entire platoon's medical readiness, which is reported to the senior medic or the company command team directly.

In the case of those attached to medical units, they may learn to administer medications which result in more definitive treatment than their civilian counterparts are allowed to. Brigade support battalions (BSB), in particular, can have an entire company staffed with 68Ws referred to as a "Charlie Med," as the Charlie Company is the definitive medical unit in this type of battalion. In line with the BSB's mission, the 68W's primary mission will fall under treatment and/or evacuation roles in order to support the brigade. 68Ws working in a BSB can also expect themselves to be trained in extensive vehicle maintenance as well as supply and logistics or be swapped to infantry companies within the brigade when 68Ws for that unit are lacking. In a combat support hospital or smaller medical treatment facility (such as the garrison clinic or battalion aid station), 68Ws can also be quickly cross trained in-patient administration, medical laboratory skills, and even medical logistics. Unlike civilian hospitals, combat support hospitals do not have a large number of 68C (Practical Nursing Specialist) and instead use the 68W who is readily available and partially trained. Some 68Ws can request additional training as paramedics. U.S. Army flight paramedics are trained in this manner upon successful submission of a packet, although slots are limited and the school can be highly competitive.

68Ws completing a minimum of 60 semester hours with required science prerequisites and shadowing hours may apply for the Interservice Physician Assistant Program (IPAP). The intensive two-year program results in a Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree from the University of Nebraska Medical College, an officer's commission to First Lieutenant, and the opportunity to sit for civilian certification.^[1]

68Ws also serve as a source for recruiting for special operations medics, such as MOS 18D (Special Forces Medical Sergeant), MOS 38BW4 (Civil Affairs Medical Sergeant), 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment Flight Medic and 75th Ranger Regiment Ranger Medic. The former two require a complete MOS change alongside their training, while the latter two remain as 68Ws for the duration of their assignment. Those completing the assessment course for Special Forces, 160th SOAR, or the 75th Ranger Regiment are required to complete the Special Operations Combat Medic (SOCM) course (ASI W1), an intensive 10-month course located at Fort Liberty, North Carolina. Qualified medics are assigned to the direct support positions of these United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) assignments. SOCM medics work independently within specific protocols and the scope of practice may be expanded during the absence of a medical officer. SOCM medics assigned to special operations units regularly attend advanced medical and military training after the SOCM course to maintain interoperability with special operations forces.

Common workplace settings

68W's can often find themselves working in a multitude of different workplaces. Most units in the U.S. Army need medics, so they have a lot of options of where to go. 68W's will either find themselves working in a general practice clinic, hospital, or in the field.

Some units 68W's may be assigned to out of Advanced Individual Training (AIT) are:

Armored Brigades - Brigades whose personnel specialize in tactics evolving armored vehicles including, but not limited to tanks and armored personnel carriers (APC's).
Artillery Brigades - Brigades that specials in the use of Artillery.
Combat Aviation Brigades - Typically a unit composed of assets and personnel that support operations related to helicopters. 68W's will work in a Battalion Aid Station or a clinic on the ground. However, if they attend Flight Medic School, they will be assigned to these units as a Flight Medic.
Infantry Brigades - Brigades typically composed of soldiers that maneuver on foot, in 4-wheeled vehicles, or jumping from aircraft.
Medical Brigades - Brigades typically composed mostly of medical assets and personnel.
Military Entrance Processing Stations - Locations where recruits are screened to enter military service.

This list is not all inclusive, as there are many different types of units in the U.S. Army.

Combat Lifesaver

A Combat Lifesaver (CLS) is non-68W soldier with minimal emergency medical training to provide care at the point of injury. It is a requirement that all Initial Entry Training soldiers complete the CLS (Combat Lifesaver) course and pass the CLS exam during Basic Combat Training. IET Soldiers who fail to complete the course or pass the exam are recycled to another class that is beginning the CLS Course. Combat Lifesaver skills are intended for use in combat; however, the skills may be applied to soldiers in non-combat situations. The Combat Lifesaver is instructed in various techniques to treat and stabilize injuries related to combat. The Combat Lifesaver doctrine was developed as an effort to increase survivability in combat environments where the combat medic may not be readily available. The Combat Lifesaver is a bridge between self-aid or buddy aid and the 68W. The Combat Lifesaver can augment the 68W, as needed.

Recognition

68Ws may be awarded the Combat Medical Badge (CMB) and Expert Field Medical Badge (EFMB), if they meet qualification requirements. The CMB is awarded to medical personnel assigned or attached to, or under operational control of any ground combat arms or combat aviation units of brigade or smaller size, who satisfactorily perform medical duties while the unit is engaged in active ground combat, provided they are personally present and under fire. In contrast, the EFMB is awarded following successful completion of an intensive two week-long validation of field medical skills. Only one badge may be worn on their uniform at a time, although 68Ws are allowed to earn both.

References

^ "Interservice Physician Assistant Program". Archived from the original on 2008-04-30. Retrieved 2008-09-07.

STP 8-91W15-SM-TG SOLDIER'S MANUAL AND TRAINER'S GUIDE, MOS 91W, HEALTH CARE SPECIALIST, SKILL LEVELS 1/2/3/4/5

U.S. Army AIPD Course Curriculum ISO0873

U.S. Army Regulation 350-1

Combat Medic Specialist | goarmy.com

External links

Official U.S. Army Home of the 68W - Health Care Specialist Archived 2011-09-03 at the Wayback Machine
Corpsman.com, A Site run by Doc's for Doc's, of all US Military Services.
Experience Life as a Medic in America's Army game download on GoArmy.com
Combat Medic Specialist | goarmy.com

This military article is regarding a United States Army Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) designation.
All articles in this category can be viewed at Category:United States Army Military Occupational Specialty

[1] "Interservice Physician Assistant Program". Archived from the original on 2008-04-30. Retrieved 2008-09-07.

[1]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+{{short description|United States Army Military Occupational Specialty}}
-'''68W''' (often pronounced as '''sixty-eight whiskey''' using the [[NATO phonetic alphabet]]) is the [[United States military occupation code|Military Occupational Specialty]] (MOS) for the [[United States Army]]'s Combat Medic Specialist ([[Combat Medic]]). This specialty is open to males and females as well as allowing color vision deficient personnel.
+'''68W''' (pronounced as '''sixty-eight whiskey''' using the [[NATO phonetic alphabet]]) is the [[United States military occupation code|Military Occupational Specialty]] (MOS) for the [[United States Army]]'s [[Combat Medic]]. 68Ws are primarily responsible for providing emergency medical treatment at point of wounding on the battlefield, limited primary care, and health protection and evacuation from a point of injury or illness. 68Ws are certified as [[Emergency medical technician|Emergency Medical Technicians]] (EMT) through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). However, 68Ws often have a scope of practice much wider than that of civilian EMTs. This specialty is open to males and females with minimum [[Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery#Composite scores|line scores]] of 107 GT and 101 ST on the [[Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery]] (ASVAB).
-{{TOC left}}
 == Description ==
+[[File:U.S. army medic Afganistan.jpg|thumb|left|A [[U.S. Army]] 68W "Combat Medic Specialist" (center-left, viewers right) in [[Afghanistan]]. Note that the only distinguishing feature is the medical pack on his back.]]
-The primary role of ''68W'' combat medic specialists in the U.S. Army is providing [[medical treatment]] to wounded [[soldier]]s. Other nations and services also have similarly-trained personnel, but this discussion and the following details apply only to those within the United States Army. These medics serve as the basic or first tier of the Army medical system accompanying units as small as [[platoon]]s (approximately 12-40 soldiers) during training and deployments. Medics provide initial [[Emergency medicine|emergency medical care]], evacuation, and supervision to other soldiers with medical training (such as Combat Lifesavers) as well as provide medical advice to unit chains of command.
-In addition to first responder or combat medical support, medics provide paraprofessional care in medical treatment facilities—[[battalion aid station]]s, [[clinic]]s, [[hospital]]s, etc.--to soldiers, military dependents, and authorized civilian personnel. In this capacity, healthcare specialists work under the supervision and purview of [[physician assistant]]s and [[physician]]s and alongside other medical professionals.
+Known administratively as "Combat Medic Specialist" (formerly "Health Care Specialist"), the primary role of combat medics in the U.S. Army is to provide [[medical treatment]] and, if necessary, [[Battlefield medicine|combat casualty care]] to injured [[soldier]]s and their [[dependant|dependents]]. 68Ws serve as the first echelon of care, accompanying units as small as [[platoon]]s and as large as [[battalion]]s during training and deployments. 68Ws provide initial [[Emergency medicine|emergency medical care]], [[medical evacuation]], and supervision to other soldiers with medical training (such as those trained as [[Combat lifesaver course|Combat Lifesavers]]) as well as provide medical advice to the unit's [[Command hierarchy#Chain of command|chain of command]]. In addition to emergency medical support, 68Ws provide [[paraprofessional]] medical care in military medical treatment facilities to soldiers, military dependents, and authorized civilian personnel. In this capacity, 68Ws work under the supervision and purview of [[physician assistant]]s and [[physician]]s, while working alongside other medical professionals.
-Healthcare specialists are initially trained as Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technicians (at the [[Emergency medical technician – basic|EMT-B]] level) with additional training in trauma and Army specific techniques and procedures. Maintenance of civilian accreditation is currently required and further education is commonly offered including the opportunity to add additional skill training or—with acceptable civilian education—application to the Inter-service Physician Assistant Program.
+Ws are initially trained as [[National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians|Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technicians]] (at the EMT-B level) with additional training in trauma and [[United States Army|U.S. Army]] specific techniques and procedures. Maintenance of civilian accreditation is currently required, and further education is commonly offered, including the opportunity to add additional skill training through military and civilian education. Currently, only the [[United States Army|U.S. Army]] requires their medics to maintain civilian accreditation in order to graduate from training and continue working as a 68W. Civilian equivalents are difficult to assess given the broad range of skills and training 68Ws may have but most, without additional specialized training, are trained in or work in areas overlapping civilian [[Emergency medical technician|EMT]]s, medical assistants, patient administration personnel, office managers, schedulers, [[ambulance driver]]s, [[pharmacy technician]]s, [[phlebotomist]]s, patient care assistants, and others. Senior 68Ws who have been promoted as [[non-commissioned officers]] generally assume more administrative duties in treatment facilities while training and supervising junior 68Ws.
+==Skill Identifiers==
-Civilian equivalents are difficult to assess given the broad range of skills and training healthcare specialists may have but most healthcare specialists without additional specialized training are trained in or work in areas overlapping civilian [[Emergency medical technician|EMT]]s, medical assistants, patient administration personnel, office managers, schedulers, [[ambulance driver]]s, [[pharmacy technician]]s, [[phlebotomist]]s, patient care assistants, and others.
+Additional Skill Identifiers (ASI) are awarded to personnel with additional training in a particular specialty and affects what positions a soldier holding the skill identifier may be assigned to. These are tacked on to a 68W's MOS code. For example, a 68W trained as a Flight Paramedic would be known as a 68WF2. Majority of the previously used ASIs were changed to become entirely different MOS codes with their own specific training.
+===Currently used ASIs===
-Advanced level healthcare specialists who have not specialized generally assume more administrative duties in medical sections or treatment facilities as well as training and supervisory duties while maintaining perishable treatment skills.
+*F2 is a U.S. Army [[Flight Paramedic]].
+*W1 is a 68W who completed the [[United States Army Special Operations Command|Special Operations]] Combat Medic course.
+*Y8 is an [[Allergy#Medical specialty|Allergy and Immunology]] Specialist.
+*3P is a Nationally Registered Paramedic.
+*1P is a 68W who has completed the [[United States Army Airborne School]] E4 and below.
+*2P is a 68W who has completed the [[United States Army Airborne School]] for E5.
+*3P is a 68W who has completed the [[United States Army Airborne School]] for E6.
+*4P is a 68W who has completed the [[United States Army Airborne School]] for E7.
+===Previously used ASIs===
-==Skill Levels==
+*P1 is an [[Orthopedic surgery|Orthopedic]] Specialist. P1 is now Identified as MOS 68B.
-Skill levels are appended to the MOS to identify positions a soldier may be assigned to and are followed by a letter code, Special Qualification Identifier, identifying special skills such as parachute qualification ("P") or Airborne Ranger qualification ("V"). When no appropriate skill modifier is used, a letter "O", erroneously read as a zero "0". For example, a healthcare specialist would be awarded MOS 68W1O.
+*M6 is a [[Licensed Practical Nurse|Practical Nursing]] Specialist. M6 is now identified as MOS 68C.
+*N9 is a [[Physical Therapy]] Specialist. N9 is now identified as MOS 68F.
-* 0 is an untrained medic prior to school completion.
+*N3 is an [[Occupational therapy|Occupational Therapy]] Specialist. N3 is now identified as MOS 68L.
-* 1 is the basic entry level [[medic]] with ranks of [[Private (rank)|Private]] through [[Specialist (rank)|Specialist]]/[[Corporal]] (E-1 through E-4)
+*Y6 is a [[Cardiology|Cardiovascular]] Specialist. Y6 is now identified as MOS 68N.
-* 2 is a medic with the rank of [[Sergeant]] (E-5)
+*P2 is an [[Otolaryngology|Ear, Nose and Throat]] (ENT) Specialist. P2 is now identified as MOS 68U.
-* 3 is a medic with the rank of [[Staff Sergeant]] (E-6)
+*P3 is an [[Optometry]] Specialist. P3 is now identified as MOS 68Y.
-* 4 is a medic with the rank of [[Sergeant First Class]] (E-7)
-* 5 is a medic with the rank of [[Master Sergeant]]/[[First Sergeant]] (E-8) or [[Sergeant Major]] (E-9)
-==Skill Identifiers==
-Skill identifiers are awarded to personnel with additional training in a particular specialty and affects what positions a soldier holding the skill identifier may be assigned to. Most require formal school training.
-*F2 is an Army Critical Care [[Flight Paramedic]] (Awarded after completion of the Flight Paramedic Course 300-F1/F2)
-*F3 is an Army [[Flight Medic]]
-*M6 is the Army's [[Licensed Practical Nurse]] (No longer an ASI of 68W, M6 is now identified as 68C)
-*P1 is an [[Orthopedic surgery|Orthopedics]] specialist (No longer an ASI of 68W, P1 is now Identified as 68B)
-*Y8 is an [[Allergy#Medical specialty|Immunization-allergy]] specialist (clinical, lab)
-*N3 is the Army's [[Occupational therapy|Occupational Therapy]] Assistant (No longer an ASI of 68W, N3 is now identified as 68L)
-*N9 is a [[Physical Therapy]] Technician (No longer an ASI of 68W, N9 is now identified as 68F)
-*Y2 is the code used to identify those who have not finished the upgrade classes
-*18D is a [[Special Forces]] Medical Sergeant
-*W1 is a [[United States Army Special Operations Command|Special Operations]] [[Combat Medic]] (SOCM)
-*W2 is an Army Civil Affairs Medical Sergeant
-*W4 is an Army Civil Affairs Trauma Medical Sergeant
-*P3 is an [[Optometry]] specialist(No longer an ASI of 68W, P3 is now identified as 68Y)
-*Y6 is a [[Cardiology|Cardiovascular]] specialist (Cardiac Catheterization Technologist and Echocardiographer)(No longer an ASI of 68W, Y6 is now identified as 68N)
-*P2 is an [[Otolaryngology|Ear Nose and Throat]] (ENT) specialist (No longer an ASI of 68W, P2 is now identified as 68U)
 ==History==
-Currently known as '''68W''', the Army's basic medical MOS was changed, effective October 1, 2006. During the [[Vietnam War]] era, the MOS codes '''91W''' ('''91 Whiskey''', nuclear medicine specialist), '''91B''' ('''91 Bravo''', medical [[Non-commissioned officer|NCO]]) and '''91A''' ('''91 Alpha''', medical corpsman) were used.
+Currently known as 68W, the Army's basic medical MOS was changed, effective October 1, 2006. During the [[Vietnam War]] era, the MOS code was 91A.
-The Department of the Army Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel issued a notice for future change for the MOS 91B and 91C (Licensed Practical Nurse) in September 1999. The notice established the transition of personnel holding both MOSs to 91W to begin on 1 October 2001 and end on 30 September 2007. The 91W MOS required additional training and the maintenance of civilian EMT certification which was previously optional for soldiers.  Army personnel holding MOS 91C would become 91Ws (and later 68Ws) with an additional skill identifier of M6. During the transitory period, all 91B and 91C classified soldiers were given the Y2 identifier until completion of additional training to become 91W, reclassification to a different MOS, or discharge from the US Army.
+The Department of the Army Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel issued a notice for future change for the MOS 91B and 91C (Licensed Practical Nurse) in September 1999. The notice established the transition of personnel holding both MOSs to 91W to begin on 1 October 2001 and end on 30 September 2007. The 91W MOS required additional training and the maintenance of civilian EMT certification, which was previously optional for soldiers. U.S. Army personnel holding the MOS 91C would become 91Ws (and later 68Ws) with an additional skill identifier of M6. During the transitory period, all 91B and 91C classified soldiers were given the Y2 identifier until completion of additional training to become 91W, reclassification to a different MOS, or discharge from the U.S. Army.
+The administrative title of 68W has also undergone minute changes. Previously known simply as the Combat Medic, it was changed to Health Care Specialist to assist soldiers in obtaining civilian equivalency when comparing skills learned in the U.S. Army to their civilian counterparts. It was changed into the more familiar Combat Medic Specialist to preserve the name and reputation that has already been established by the MOS. Colloquially, 68Ws are referred to as "Doc" when they have garnered the trust and confidence of the infantrymen they are assigned to take care of, a title that is not easily earned.
-Later—as part of an ongoing administrative revision of Army Enlisted MOSs—MOS 91W was redesignated 68W.{{Citation needed|date=August 2010}}
 ===Medal of Honor Recipients===
-Notable [[Medal of Honor]] recipients who served as combat medics include [[Joseph G. LaPointe Jr.]], [[Desmond Doss]], and [[Thomas W. Bennett (conscientious objector)|Thomas W. Bennett]].
+Notable [[Medal of Honor]] recipients who served as combat medics include [[Desmond Doss]], [[Joseph G. LaPointe Jr.]],[[Lawrence Joel]], [[Thomas W. Bennett (conscientious objector)|Thomas W. Bennett]], [[Gary M. Rose]], [[Edgar Lee McWethy Jr.]], and [[David B. Bleak]].
-==Training==
+==Training and assignment==
-After completion of [[United States Army Basic Training|Basic Combat Training]], soldiers training for 68W10 ship to [[Fort Sam Houston]], Texas for [[Advanced Individual Training|Advanced Individual Training (AIT)]]. The AIT or job training may last for 16 to 68 weeks, depending what additional skill training is completed. Training includes a combination of lecture, hands-on, and practical field exercises with many skills—including starting intravenous lines—practiced on each other. The first part of the course focuses on CPR and EMT-Basic training and concludes with certification tests for both skills. Further training is on Army specific tasks.
+After the completion of [[United States Army Basic Training|Basic Combat Training]] (BCT), soldiers training for the MOS 68W ship to [[Fort Sam Houston]], [[Texas]] for [[Advanced Individual Training|Advanced Individual Training (AIT)]]. Training typically lasts for 16 weeks and includes a combination of lectures and practical exercises conducted both in the field and the classroom. The first two months of the course focuses on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation ([[Cardiopulmonary resuscitation|CPR]]), [[Basic life support|Basic Life Support]] (BLS), and EMT skills and concludes with written and practical examinations. Prospective 68Ws must pass the [[National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians|NREMT]] certification exam (with a maximum of six attempts) in order to proceed into the [[United States Army|U.S. Army]] specific course known as the "Whiskey Phase." Soldiers unable to pass the [[National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians|NREMT]] are reclassified into a different MOS according to the needs of the [[United States Army|U.S. Army]].
+Whiskey Phase comprises the final two months of the 68W's training and consists of military emergency medicine, dismounted patrols, [[Urban warfare|military operations in urban terrain]] (MOUT), and military-specific medical evacuation procedures. 68Ws are trained in additional medical skills that they are only authorized to perform in a military setting, as their EMT scope of practice more is limited. These additional skills are centralized on [[Tactical Combat Casualty Care]] (TCCC) guidelines and include emergency [[cricothyroidotomy]], fluid resuscitation, medication administration ([[Intraosseous infusion|intraosseous]], [[Intravenous therapy|intravenous]], and [[Intramuscular injection|intramuscular]]), treatment of puncture wounds, treatment of [[Artery|arterial]] bleeding, and use of tourniquets for severe lacerations and/or [[amputation]]s.
-After assignment to a unit, ''68Ws'' may, at the request of their unit's Physician Assistant (PA), attend any number of advanced topics. Topics are generally prescribed per each unit's functional role. For example, front-line combat medic (aka "line medic") may learn about advanced trauma treatments including venous cutdowns, placement of chest tubes, or use of specialty hemorrhage control methods. In the case of those attached to medical units, they may learn to administer medications which result in more definitive treatment than their civilian counterparts are allowed to.
+After assignment to a unit, 68Ws may, at the discretion of their unit's Physician Assistant (PA), learn any number of advanced skills. Topics are generally prescribed per each unit's functional role. For example, 68Ws assigned to an infantry unit (known colloquially as a line medic) may learn about advanced trauma treatments including [[venous cutdown]]s, placement of [[Chest tube#Tube thoracostomy|chest tubes]], or use of special hemorrhage control methods. Oftentimes, the 68W is responsible for an entire platoon's medical readiness, which is reported to the senior medic or the company command team directly.
-Unlike civilian hospitals, field hospital units usually do not have a large number of 68W''M6'' (LPN), and instead use the combat medic who is readily available and partially trained. Some medics opt for [[Emergency medical technician|EMT-I]] or [[EMT-P]] certification or additional certifications through civilian education.
+In the case of those attached to medical units, they may learn to administer medications which result in more definitive treatment than their civilian counterparts are allowed to. Brigade support battalions (BSB), in particular, can have an entire company staffed with 68Ws referred to as a "Charlie Med," as the Charlie Company is the definitive medical unit in this type of battalion. In line with the BSB's mission, the 68W's primary mission will fall under treatment and/or evacuation roles in order to support the brigade. 68Ws working in a BSB can also expect themselves to be trained in extensive vehicle maintenance as well as supply and logistics or be swapped to infantry companies within the brigade when 68Ws for that unit are lacking. In a combat support hospital or smaller medical treatment facility (such as the garrison clinic or battalion aid station), 68Ws can also be quickly cross trained in-patient administration, medical laboratory skills, and even medical logistics. Unlike civilian hospitals, combat support hospitals do not have a large number of 68C (Practical Nursing Specialist) and instead use the 68W who is readily available and partially trained. Some 68Ws can request additional training as paramedics. U.S. Army flight paramedics are trained in this manner upon successful submission of a packet, although slots are limited and the school can be highly competitive.
-Medics completing the equivalent of a bachelor's degree with required science prerequisites may apply for the [http://www.cs.amedd.army.mil/ipap/ Interservice Physician Assistant Program (IPAP).] The intensive two-year program results in a Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree from the University of Nebraska Medical College, an officer's commission, and the opportunity to sit for civilian certification.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.crdamc.amedd.army.mil/default.asp?page=pat
-|title=Interservice Physician Assistant Program}}</ref>
+Ws completing a minimum of 60 semester hours with required science prerequisites and shadowing hours may apply for the [https://medcoe.army.mil/ipap Interservice Physician Assistant Program (IPAP).] The intensive two-year program results in a Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree from the University of Nebraska Medical College, an officer's commission to First Lieutenant, and the opportunity to sit for civilian certification.<ref>{{cite web
+|url=http://www.crdamc.amedd.army.mil/default.asp?page=pat
+|title=Interservice Physician Assistant Program
+|access-date=2008-09-07
+|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080430114542/http://www.crdamc.amedd.army.mil/default.asp?page=pat
+|archive-date=2008-04-30
+|url-status=dead
+}}</ref>
-Healthcare specialist also serve as the primary source for recruiting for special operations medics including "18D" [[Special Forces]] Medical Sergeant and Ranger Medics. Those completing the assessment course for Special Forces, 160th SOAR, or the 75th Ranger Regiment are required to complete the Special Operations Combat Medic (SOCM) course ("W1"). SOCM qualified medics are assigned to the [[75th Ranger Regiment (United States)|75th Ranger Regiment]] (Ranger Medic), [[160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (United States)|160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment]] (SOAR Flight Medic), [[96th Civil Affairs Battalion]] (CA-Med SGT), [[Special Operations Support Command]], and in direct support positions of these United States Army Special Operation Command (USASOC) positions. The training is an intensive 10month Special Operations Combat Medic Course/18D located at Ft.Bragg, NC to be awarded the W1 identifier. The SOCM ''68W'' is currently the most independent-duty enlisted medical personnel in the CMF 68 field.
+Ws also serve as a source for recruiting for special operations medics, such as MOS 18D ([[United States Army Special Forces selection and training#18D – Medical Sergeant|Special Forces Medical Sergeant]]), MOS 38BW4 ([[United States Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command|Civil Affairs]] Medical Sergeant), [[160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (United States)|160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment]] Flight Medic and [[75th Ranger Regiment (United States)|75th Ranger Regiment]] Ranger Medic. The former two require a complete MOS change alongside their training, while the latter two remain as 68Ws for the duration of their assignment. Those completing the assessment course for Special Forces, 160th SOAR, or the 75th Ranger Regiment are required to complete the Special Operations Combat Medic (SOCM) course (ASI W1), an intensive 10-month course located at [[Fort Liberty]], North Carolina. Qualified medics are assigned to the direct support positions of these [[United States Army Special Operations Command]] (USASOC) assignments. SOCM medics work independently within specific protocols and the scope of practice may be expanded during the absence of a medical officer. SOCM medics assigned to special operations units regularly attend advanced medical and military training after the SOCM course to maintain interoperability with special operations forces.
+=== Common workplace settings ===
-SOCM medics work independently within specific protocols; the scope of practice may be expanded during the absence of a medical officer. SOCM medics assigned to special operations units regularly attend advanced medical and military training after the SOCM course to maintain interoperability with special operations forces.
+W's can often find themselves working in a multitude of different workplaces. Most units in the U.S. Army need medics, so they have a lot of options of where to go. 68W's will either find themselves working in a general practice clinic, hospital, or in the field.
+Some units 68W's may be assigned to out of Advanced Individual Training (AIT) are:
-SOCM (W1's) Credentials include:
+* Armored Brigades - Brigades whose personnel specialize in tactics evolving armored vehicles including, but not limited to tanks and armored personnel carriers (APC's).
-* [[Emergency Medical Technician|EMT Basic]]
+* [[Artillery]] Brigades - Brigades that specials in the use of Artillery.
-* [[Advanced Trauma Life Support|ATLS]]
+* Combat Aviation Brigades - Typically a unit composed of assets and personnel that support operations related to helicopters. 68W's will work in a Battalion Aid Station or a clinic on the ground. However, if they attend Flight Medic School, they will be assigned to these units as a Flight Medic.
-* BTLS/PHTLS (Basic Trauma Life Support/Prehospital Trauma Life Support) now called [[ITLS]]
+* Infantry Brigades - Brigades typically composed of soldiers that maneuver on foot, in 4-wheeled vehicles, or jumping from aircraft.
-* ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)
+* Medical Brigades - Brigades typically composed mostly of medical assets and personnel.
-* PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support)
+* Military Entrance Processing Stations - Locations where recruits are screened to enter military service.
-* SOCOM ATP (Advanced Tactical Practitioner)
-* Current [[Tactical Combat Casualty Care]] (TCCC)guidelines
+This list is not all inclusive, as there are many different types of units in the U.S. Army.
-* Advanced trauma surgical procedures
+===Combat Lifesaver===
+A Combat Lifesaver (CLS) is non-68W soldier with minimal emergency medical training to provide care at the point of injury. It is a requirement that all Initial Entry Training soldiers complete the CLS (Combat Lifesaver) course and pass the CLS exam during Basic Combat Training. IET Soldiers who fail to complete the course or pass the exam are recycled to another class that is beginning the CLS Course. Combat Lifesaver skills are intended for use in [[combat]]; however, the skills may be applied to soldiers in non-combat situations. The Combat Lifesaver is instructed in various techniques to treat and stabilize injuries related to combat. The Combat Lifesaver doctrine was developed as an effort to increase survivability in combat environments where the [[combat medic]] may not be readily available. The Combat Lifesaver is a bridge between self-aid or [[buddy aid]] and the 68W. The Combat Lifesaver can augment the 68W, as needed.
 ==Recognition==
 [[Image:Combat Medical Badge, 1st award.svg|175px|thumb|Combat Medical Badge]][[Image:ExpertMedBadge.svg|175px|thumb|Expert Field Medical Badge]]
-Health Care Specialists may be awarded the [[Combat Medical Badge]] (CMB) and [[Expert Field Medical Badge]] (EFMB), if they meet qualification requirements. The EFMB is awarded following successful completion of an extensive 2 week-long test of field medical skills (Many excellent medics fail this test).
+Ws may be awarded the [[Combat Medical Badge]] (CMB) and [[Expert Field Medical Badge]] (EFMB), if they meet qualification requirements. The CMB is awarded to medical personnel assigned or attached to, or under operational control of any ground combat arms or combat aviation units of brigade or smaller size, who satisfactorily perform medical duties while the unit is engaged in active ground combat, provided they are personally present and under fire. In contrast, the EFMB is awarded following successful completion of an intensive two week-long validation of field medical skills. Only one badge may be worn on their uniform at a time, although 68Ws are allowed to earn both.
-AR 600-8-22 Chapter 8 section 7:
-(4) On or after 18 September 2001:
-(a) Medical personnel assigned or attached to, or under operational control of any ground combat arms or combat aviation units of brigade or smaller size, who satisfactorily perform medical duties while the unit is engaged in active ground combat, provided they are personally present and under fire.
-==Responsibilities==
-The Health Care Specialist is primarily responsible for providing emergency medical treatment, limited primary care and health protection and evacuation from a point of injury or illness. Some of the duties as a Health Care Specialist may include:
-* Administering emergency medical treatment to battlefield casualties
-* Assisting with outpatient and inpatient care and treatment
-* Interviewing patients and recording their medical histories
-* Taking patients' temperature, pulse and blood pressure
-* Preparing blood samples for laboratory analysis
-* Keeping health records and clinical files up-to-date
-* Giving shots and medicines to patients
-* Preparing patients, operating rooms, equipment and supplies for surgery<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goarmy.com/JobDetail.do?id=150 |title=Army Career & Jobs: Health Care Specialist (68W)}}</ref>
-* Initial stabilizing treatment and [[triage]]
-* Plan and conduct evacuation from the field of battle and en route life support
-* Preventive medicine
-* Field sanitation
-* Clinical medicine
-* Supportive care in the event of delayed transport
-* Plan and Provide instructions for unit Combat Lifesaver programs
-=== Plan and conduct Combat Lifesaver training ===
-A Combat Lifesaver (CLS) is non-medic soldier with moderate emergency medical training to provide care at the point of wounding. Combat Lifesaver skills are intended for use in [[combat]]; however, the skills may be applied to soldiers in non-combat situations. The Combat Lifesaver is instructed in various techniques to treat and stabilize injuries related to combat. To include, but not limited to, [[blast injury]], [[amputation]], [[severe bleeding]], [[Chest#Chest injury|penetrating chest injuries]], simple [[airway management]], and [[Casualty evacuation|evacuation techniques]]. The Combat Lifesaver doctrine was developed as an effort to increase survivability in combat environments where the [[combat medic]] may not be readily available. The Combat Lifesaver is a bridge between [[self aid]] or [[buddy aid]], and the Combat Medic (68W). The Combat Lifesaver can augment the Combat Medic, as needed. The ''68W'' trains the Combat Lifesaver. It is a requirement that all IET (Initial Entry Training) soldiers complete the CLS (Combat Lifesaver) course, and pass the CLS exam during BCT (Basic Combat Training). Those IET Soldiers who fail to complete the course, or pass the exam are recycled to another Troop that is beginning the CLS Course.
-=== Skills of the Combat Lifesaver ===
-*Basic casualty evaluation
-*[[Airway]] management
-*[[Chest injury]] and [[tension pneumothorax]] management
-*Controlling [[Bleeding]]
-*Requesting [[medical evacuation]]
 ==See also==
@@ Line 125: / Line 93: @@
 * [[Battlefield medicine]]
 *[[Medical Assistant (Royal Navy)]]
-*[[Ambulance#Military use]]
+*{{section link|Ambulance|Military use}}
 ==References==
@@ Line 134: / Line 102: @@
 U.S. Army AIPD Course Curriculum ISO0873
-U.S. Army Regulation 350-1
+[https://armypubs.army.mil/ProductMaps/PubForm/Details.aspx?PUB_ID=1002540 U.S. Army Regulation 350-1]
+[https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/career-match/science-medicine/intensive-care/68w-combat-medic-specialist.html Combat Medic Specialist | goarmy.com]
 ==External links==
-*[http://www.cs.amedd.army.mil/68w/ Official U.S. Army Home of the 68W - Health Care Specialist]
+*[http://www.cs.amedd.army.mil/68w/ Official U.S. Army Home of the 68W - Health Care Specialist] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110903154341/http://www.cs.amedd.army.mil/68w/ |date=2011-09-03 }}
-*[http://www.corpsman.com Corpsman.com, A Site run by Doc's for Doc's, of all US Military Services.]
+*[https://web.archive.org/web/19990125094422/http://www.corpsman.com/ Corpsman.com, A Site run by Doc's for Doc's, of all US Military Services.]
-*[http://www.goarmy.com/strong/medic_exchange.jsp Experience Life as a Medic in America's Army] game download on [http://www.goarmy.com GoArmy.com]
+*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070706150131/http://www.goarmy.com/strong/medic_exchange.jsp Experience Life as a Medic in America's Army] game download on [https://web.archive.org/web/20161115053436/http://www.goarmy.com/ GoArmy.com]
+*[https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/career-match/science-medicine/intensive-care/68w-combat-medic-specialist.html Combat Medic Specialist | goarmy.com]
 {{US Army MOS}}