MIDDLETOWN, Pa. – The 193rd Special Operations Wing completed its first Tactical Combat Casualty Care course, certifying 12 Airmen on Jan. 12 at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania.
In addition to certifying the Airmen on tactical field care procedures, seven Airmen from the 193rd Special Operations Medical Group and 148th Air Support Operations Squadron were certified by Air Force Special Operations Command as instructors to teach the course.
The TCCC course instructs Airmen on the immediate medical care that needs to be delivered to a casualty in a combat environment, said 1st Lt. Chantiel Fischer, a nurse with the 193rd SOMDG and instructor for this course. The 3-day training event culminated with a field training exercise where Airmen conducted scenario-based training while using the skills they had learned.
During the FTX, Airmen completed scenarios in which they moved tactically through their environment and located casualties. Upon locating the casualties, they would then transition through the three phases of TCCC, care under fire, tactical field care and tactical evacuation care.
"There are a handful of medical interventions that in an immediate situation can save someone's life, even in a tactical environment," said Fischer. "It's important for everyone to have that information, not just medical personnel."
The TCCC course is mandatory for three of the wing's units, 193rd Special Operations Medical Group, 193rd Special Operations Security Forces Squadron and 148th ASOS, said Fischer. Previously Airmen were attending courses on TDY status. Having instructors within the wing to teach this course locally will be a big asset to the wing.
The wing is coordinating and working to establish this as a permanent training course provided to its Airmen.