title: Training, deployment preparation, and combat experiences of deployed health care personnel: key findings from deployed U.S. Army combat medics assigned to line units.
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.
authors.affiliation: HSRD/RRD Center of Excellence in Rehabilitation Outcomes, 8900 Grand Oak Circle, Tampa, FL 33637, USA.
authors.forename: Paula L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Chapman
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Cabrera
authors.forename: Christina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Varela-Mayer
authors.forename: Monty
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Baker
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Elnitsky
authors.forename: Barbara L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Pitts
authors.forename: Charles
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Figley
authors.forename: Ryan M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Thurman
authors.forename: Chii-Dean
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mayer
mesh_terms: D003376:Counseling; D004634:Emergency Medical Technicians / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D054542:Iraq War, 2003-2011; D008605:Mental Health Services; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000523:psychology; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D014481:United States