Canadians oversee tactical medical training in Ukraine
September 15, 2020 - Lt(N) Kevin Moffatt, Public Affairs Officer, Joint Task Force – Ukraine (Operation UNIFIER)
Operation UNIFIER Medical Training Group (MTG) personnel advised and mentored students and instructors at the 205th Tactical Medical Training Centre (TMTC) during the first week of August 2020.
The 205th TMTC currently conducts a 2.5-month-long Combat Medic Course, involving both clinical and field related knowledge and skill sets.
Joint Task Force – Ukraine (JTF-U) Rotation 9 members Warrant Officer Cheryl Belanger and Sergeant Chris Payne observed and assisted during an intense three-day portion of the Combat Medic Course held at 205th TMTC from Aug. 4 to 6. Students partook in Platoon and Company Level Casualty Collection Point (CCP) and Evacuation Staging training with Combat First Aid (CFA), as well as Tactical Field Care (TFC) and Treatment Protocols.
WO Belanger and Sgt Payne were involved with Observer Controller Training (OCT) tasks, engaging with instructors, expediting the training schedule and providing course feedback to 205th Command. The two Medical Technicians were also in involved with observing and assisting with training-station skills, such as Intravenous (IV) Therapy.
The MTG Command Team also had the opportunity to observe an Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) Combat Medic Skills Competition, where eight qualified 205th TMTC medics volunteered to showcase their skills. The competition was held on July 21 at the school in Desna. Medics were evaluated on their holistic performance at multiple training stands. The stands evaluated were:
- Stand 1: Weapon Disassembly and Assembly
- Stand 2: Care under Fire and Combat Drag
- Stand 3: Tactical Field Care and Treatment Protocols
- Stand 4: Casualty Evacuation with Stretcher Carry
- Stand 5: Patient load into armoured ambulance and patient handover
Caption
Warrant Officer Cheryl Belanger observing Tactical Field Care protocols.
Photo by Sgt Chris Payne
Caption
Students provide treatment for a ‘Pri Red’ casualty at a Battalion Aid Station during the Combat Medic Course.
Photo by WO Cheryl Belanger
After a competitive, fun-filled afternoon, a winner was declared. The best overall score led to an award being presented and the unofficial title of ‘Best Medic in the AFU’ (not to mention bragging rights)!
The realistic field scenarios offered by the 205th TMTC are designed to prepare AFU students to become qualified medics in a combat environment. Royal Canadian Medical Service Medical Technicians provide medical capacity building so AFU medical personnel continue to have the education and tools required to treat wounded on the battlefield. AFU combat medics are a force multiplier in Eastern Ukraine that save lives.
Caption
Warrant Officer Cheryl Belanger observing and assisting with IV therapy skills and techniques.
Photo by Sgt Chris Payne
Caption
A medic applies a tourniquet and marks the time it was applied during the “care under fire” portion of the Combat Medic Skills Competition.
Photo by WO Cheryl Belanger