Citation

Chapman PL, Cabrera D, Varela-Mayer C, Baker M, Elnitsky C, Figley C, Thurman RM, Lin CD, Mayer P. Mil. Med. 2012; 177(3): 270-277.

Affiliation

HSRD/RRD Center of Excellence in Rehabilitation Outcomes, 8900 Grand Oak Circle, Tampa, FL 33637, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Association of Military Surgeons of the United States)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

22479913

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To describe the perceptions of training and deployment preparation and combat experiences and exposures of U.S. Army combat medics. METHODS: Data were from the first year of a 3-year longitudinal study designed to assess the impact of combat on the behavioral health and resilience of 347 combat medics surveyed 3 to 6 months after returning from a 12-month deployment to Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom theatre and assigned to brigade combat teams. RESULTS: Analyses indicated that combat medics may benefit from better preparation in types of shifts required during deployment, type and intensity of combat likely to be seen and experienced, more adequate training in the area of stress and mental health care management, and easier access to behavioral mental health care. CONCLUSIONS: The military has shown considerable progress in addressing and understanding the mental health care needs of Soldiers. However, challenges remain. Additional emphasis should be placed on reducing the stigma and barriers related to mental health care both in theatre and garrison and on developing an evidence-based, validated program for medics and other Soldiers to recognize stress and mental health issues on the battlefield. For medics, this should be from two perspectives-that of a combat Soldier and that of a medical provider.

Language: en