• Paula L Chapman, David Cabrera, Christina Varela-Mayer, Monty Baker, Christine Elnitsky, Barbara L Pitts, Charles Figley, Ryan M Thurman, Chii-Dean Lin, and Paul Mayer.
• HSRD/RRD Center of Excellence in Rehabilitation Outcomes, 8900 Grand Oak Circle, Tampa, FL 33637, USA.
• Mil Med. 2012 Mar 1; 177 (3): 270-7.

ObjectiveTo describe the perceptions of training and deployment preparation and combat experiences and exposures of U.S. Army combat medics.MethodsData 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.ResultsAnalyses 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.ConclusionsThe 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.

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