Journal of Special Operations Medicine. Training Supplement to Fall 2008. Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures
Abstract
When United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) command surgeon COL Warner "Rocky" Farr considers the lessons learned by his command from recent wars, he quickly notes that many of the same lessons were learned in the course of every modern war. "In Black Hawk Down, there was a Ranger who had a very high wound in the thigh that no one could get a tourniquet around," Farr said, "and we have looked for the magic piece of equipment that could save that Ranger. Some of the new equipment we have was designed with that Ranger in mind to prevent another case like his." "When you look at the care that has been provided out there in the war, we don't need magic bullets," he added. "We fielded the right equipment that is doing the job and skilled medics that are trained to do the job. We are not seeing casualties that die from lack of care or lack of medical equipment; we are seeing casualties who live from expert special operations forces medics providing care under fire." The above statements were published in December 2005 in the special operations technology magazine titled SOF Medicine. This document is a compilation of open source material collected and analyzed by the Center for Army Lessons Learned (CALL) from special operations medical personnel deployed in support of the Global War on Terrorism. The majority of the observations, insights, and lessons (OIL); tactics, techniques, and procedures; and best practices are derived from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom actions in theater and lessons learned. However, because special operations forces (SOF) are globally engaged executing missions across the full spectrum of operations, OIL from numerous areas of responsibility have been included. Special operations capabilities are employed as far forward and as close to the point of wounding as possible. SOF administer tactical combat casualty care while under fire to save lives and maintain the operator in the fight.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA533751
Entities
Organizations
- United States Special Operations Command