Summary
The Battlefield Medical Response (BMR) course, designed specifically for journalists and media professionals, is ideal first aid training adapted to hostile and war zone environments where equipment and personnel are limited. This hands-on training will explain, demonstrate, and reinforce the differences between battlefield first aid and civilian pre-hospital trauma care and emphasize the inherent medical issues associated with remote travel.Prior to enrolling in a course, please review our Functional Position Description. The criteria set forth in this document allows students to self-assess their ability to meet the demands of both a WMAI course as well as the demands of a certified wilderness medical provider in the field.
Description
Most battlefield scenarios involve making immediate tactical and critical medical decisions under intense stress and imminent danger. Without proper training, you risk the health of you and your team and may cause the mission to fail. You will leave this course equipped with the knowledge, skills, and techniques needed to take timely action in the prevention of battlefield deaths. Training included in this course meet the three goals of Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC), treatment of patients, prevention of further casualties, and completion of the mission.
One of the important aspects of WMA International training is prevention. The BMR course will discuss pre-travel orientation and emphasize successful outcomes for injuries and illnesses in travel abroad settings. Topics covered will include an introduction to international medicine resources, preparation for environmental threats, screening and vaccines, and familiarization with some of the languages and concepts in theatre (UN/NATO).
Customization
Given the short duration of this course, emphasis will be placed on hands-on activities such as action-packed simulations, mimicking the stressors of combat zones. Assessment drills and role playing will also serve as key components in the instruction of this course.
In an effort to maximize quality of training, elective topics (altitude, tropical, SCUBA, offshore medicine, etc.) can be substituted to suit specific environments, as specialized locations call for unique medical training.
Course Content
This training addresses the four preventable deaths on the battlefield, which are excessive bleeding, airway management, chest wall trauma, and hypothermia.
Also Included Topics:
- Patient Assessment System (PAS)/Critical systems assessment and management
- Wounds and burns
- Trauma and hemorrhage management
- Thermoregulation
- Musculoskeletal/Splints
- Anaphylaxis including lab
- Arthropod basics
- Lightning
- Submersion
- Remote medicine
- Individual First Aid kits
- Familiarization with basic military medical tactics
- International travel preventive strategies
Prerequisites
Participants must be a working journalist or media professional. For further information, please contact .
Evaluation
There is a pass/fail criteria, evaluation will be from practical patient simulations, and hands on activities, and/or a written test. Failure criteria could be due to lack of attendance or participation; inability to demonstrate CPR, epinephrine injection, or patient assessment. Instructors will give both individual and group feedback as needed throughout the course. 100% attendance is mandatory. WMA International is committed to making reasonable accommodation for any student with special needs.
Certification
This course is scheduled for four days or 36 hours of instructional and practice time. Upon successful completion students will receive certification in Wilderness First Aid and Adult CPR. All WMA International certifications are valid for three years.