Combat Medic Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In a world increasingly defined by conflict, the spotlight on combat medics has never been brighter.

As challenges to global security progress, the call for skilled individuals who can mend, support, and safeguard our frontline heroes intensifies.

But let’s unpack this a bit: What’s truly expected from a combat medic?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the crux of this role,
• A recruitment officer drafting the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply intrigued by the inner workings of military medical support,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable combat medic job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or military career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Combat Medic Duties and Responsibilities

Combat Medics, also known as 68 Whiskeys in the U.S. Army, provide emergency medical treatment and primary care, and health protection and evacuation from a point of injury or illness on the battlefield.

They are primarily responsible for providing life-saving first aid and trauma care on the battlefield, with daily duties and responsibilities including:

• Evaluating and assessing the injuries or illness of a soldier
• Administering emergency medical treatment, including basic and advanced life support
• Performing emergency medical procedures as necessary, such as CPR or wound care
• Preparing and transporting injured or sick soldiers for evacuation to medical facilities
• Maintaining medical supplies, equipment, and vehicles
• Assisting with the extraction of soldiers from hostile environments
• Providing immunizations and advice on disease and infection control
• Recording and keeping patient care reports
• Performing field sanitation and preventive medicine duties

 

Combat Medic Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Combat Medic to join our team.

As a Combat Medic, you will be responsible for providing emergency medical care, both on and off the battlefield.

Your key responsibilities will include treating injuries, administering emergency medical care, and preparing patients for surgery.

Our ideal candidate is an individual who possesses strong interpersonal skills, can work under pressure and is able to make critical decisions quickly.

Prior military service and medical training are a must.

 

Responsibilities

• Administer emergency medical treatment to battlefield casualties
• Assist with outpatient and inpatient care and treatment
• Prepare blood samples for laboratory analysis
• Prepare patients, operating rooms, equipment and supplies for surgery
• Maintain health records and clinical files
• Perform emergency medical procedures, such as basic life support, advanced cardiac life support, and trauma management
• Assist medical staff in the safe evacuation of casualties from the battlefield
• Participate in disaster relief efforts and humanitarian aid missions
• Train military personnel on basic medical care procedures

 

Qualifications

• Prior military service and medical training
• Completion of a Combat Medic Specialist course
• Ability to perform under pressure and in stressful situations
• Physically fit and able to carry heavy loads
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to operate medical equipment and conduct laboratory tests
• Certification in Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and/or Trauma Management

 

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement benefits
• Life insurance
• Education assistance and continuous training

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Combat Medic
• Work Environment: Varied environments including field operations, hospitals, and disaster-stricken areas. High-stress, high-risk environments may also be part of the job.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Medical Unit Commander or Chief Medical Officer.
• Salary: Salary is dependent upon candidate’s experience and qualifications, as well as the specific terms of military enlistment.
• Location: Multiple locations across the globe
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, documentation of military service, and copies of relevant certifications to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Combat Medic Do?

Combat Medics, also known as Combat Medical Technicians or Battlefield Medics, are military personnel who have been trained to provide medical aid in combat situations.

They are often part of a country’s army or other military branches.

Their primary responsibility is to provide first aid and frontline trauma care on the battlefield.

They assess, treat, and evacuate injured or sick soldiers during a conflict or peacetime.

They are trained in emergency medical treatments and procedures, such as CPR, bleeding control, dressing wounds, and splinting fractures.

They often administer medicine or carry out minor surgical procedures in the field to stabilize patients until they can be evacuated to a more secure location or medical facility.

Combat medics also play a crucial role in mass casualty situations where they triage patients, determining the order of treatment based on the severity of injuries.

Additionally, they are responsible for maintaining medical equipment, and in some cases, they may assist medical officers in the maintenance of medical records.

Despite being non-combatants, combat medics undergo basic military training and are capable of defending themselves and their patients if necessary.

They often work under intense and stressful conditions, making physical and mental resilience key to their role.

 

Combat Medic Qualifications and Skills

Combat Medics require a unique blend of medical expertise, mental fortitude, and physical fitness.

These skills and qualifications include:

• Medical Knowledge: A firm understanding of emergency medical care, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), wound management, administering medications, and stabilizing patients for transport.
• Physical Fitness: They must be physically fit to carry out duties in a combat environment, often under extreme conditions. This includes the strength to carry injured individuals and stamina for long missions.
• Communication Skills: They need to convey clear, concise information about a patient’s condition to other medical personnel, often under stressful and noisy conditions.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to quickly assess and prioritize injuries under high-pressure circumstances, implementing the most effective treatment plan.
• Resilience and Stress Management: A combat medic will encounter intense situations, requiring mental toughness and the ability to manage stress effectively.
• Teamwork Skills: Ability to work effectively in a team, often in close conjunction with non-medical military personnel.
• Flexibility: The nature of combat means situations can change rapidly. A combat medic must be able to adapt quickly and effectively.
• Technical Training: A certification in Basic Life Support (BLS), and often Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS), is required. Military medical training is also necessary.

 

Combat Medic Experience Requirements

Combat Medics typically begin their career path by completing basic training in the military, where they undergo extensive physical and mental conditioning.

This is followed by advanced individual training, in which they learn about emergency medical techniques, patient care, and procedures.

Entry-level combat medics may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often achieved through their training and on-the-job experience in military operations.

These professionals may also gain further practical experience through humanitarian missions, disaster relief operations, and other similar assignments.

Combat medics with more than 3 years of experience have generally served in active duty and have a thorough understanding of trauma care, field medicine, and patient evacuation.

They often have experience in the use of military medical equipment and have honed their skills under high-pressure situations.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are likely to have extensive leadership experience, having guided and mentored junior combat medics.

They may have also taken additional medical courses or certifications to advance their skills, making them well-equipped for roles that involve advanced medical care or training others.

 

Combat Medic Education and Training Requirements

Combat Medics typically begin their training with basic military training, where they learn fundamental soldiering skills.

After basic training, they must complete an Advanced Individual Training (AIT) course in healthcare, which combines classroom learning and field practice.

The course covers emergency medical techniques, methods for diagnosing and treating illnesses, and medical procedures in combat situations.

Combat Medics are required to be certified as a National Registered Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (NREMT-B).

This certification requires passing both a cognitive and a psychomotor examination.

In addition to these basic requirements, Combat Medics may also be required to complete specialized training depending on their specific role and the nature of their assignments.

Such training may include airborne or air assault training, tropical medicine, infectious disease prevention, and more.

Continuing education is important for Combat Medics to maintain their certification and stay current with the latest medical procedures and technologies.

Some may choose to pursue further education in healthcare to advance their careers.

While not always required, many Combat Medics find that a bachelor’s degree in a healthcare or emergency management related field is beneficial for career advancement.

Finally, Combat Medics must meet the physical and emotional demands of the job, which include the ability to perform under pressure and in challenging environments.

 

Combat Medic Salary Expectations

A Combat Medic can expect to earn an average salary of $40,000 (USD) per year.

The exact salary may differ based on factors such as experience, specific military rank, location, and additional specialist skills.

In addition to their base pay, combat medics may also receive benefits like housing and food allowances, medical and dental care, and retirement plans.

 

Combat Medic Job Description FAQs

What skills does a combat medic need?

Combat Medics must possess top-notch medical skills, including trauma care, emergency medical treatment, and patient stabilization.

They need to have good problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills as they often work under high-pressure situations.

Physical fitness is crucial due to the strenuous nature of the job.

Communication and interpersonal skills are also important for interacting with patients and team members.

 

What type of training does a combat medic require?

Becoming a combat medic requires specific training.

Candidates must first undergo basic combat training, followed by advanced individual training, which combines classroom learning and field instruction.

The coursework covers emergency medical techniques, patient-care techniques, methods of transporting patients, and working with medical equipment.

 

What should you look for in a combat medic’s resume?

When hiring a combat medic, ensure they have the necessary qualifications, including completion of advanced individual training as a combat medic.

Experience in a combat zone or other high-stress environments is a strong plus.

Look for certifications in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), as well as additional training such as Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC).

 

What qualities make a good combat medic?

A good combat medic is calm under pressure, able to make quick decisions, and has excellent problem-solving skills.

They should have physical stamina, as the job often involves carrying heavy equipment and potentially injured personnel.

Empathy, good communication skills, and teamwork are crucial because they often have to provide emotional support to injured soldiers and work closely with other medical team members.

 

Is it challenging to become a combat medic?

Becoming a combat medic can be challenging due to the rigorous physical and mental requirements of the role.

It involves intense training, both in medical skills and military combat skills.

They must be ready to work in high-stress, potentially dangerous environments.

However, it can also be a rewarding career for those interested in healthcare and military service.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve cracked open the first aid kit to reveal what it really means to be a combat medic.

Guess what?

It’s not just about patching up wounds.

It’s about safeguarding lives on the battlefield, one emergency at a time.

With our handy combat medic job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to answer the call.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to precisely crafted listings or finessing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every life saved is a victory in itself.

Let’s make that difference. Together.

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