NMRTC Rota Enhances Command PT with Tactical Combat Casualty Care Drills

Photo By Cmdr. Jenny Paul | Sailors from U.S. Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (USNMRTC) Rota, including Commanding Officer/Director Captain William Scouten practice litter carries with a simulated patient during a combined physical training and Tactical Combat Casualty Care exercise. The command is committed to preparing personnel for operational and ship-based duties by including clinical skills within readiness events. USNMRTC Rota’s mission is to prepare service members to deploy in support of operational forces and provide quality healthcare at the Naval Hospital Rota medical treatment facility. The command also sustains medical readiness and is prepared to surge support for major logistics bases and joint tenants throughout the U.S. European Command, U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Central Command areas of responsibility.  

ROTA, SPAIN

10.25.2023

Story by Lt. Kyle Coven and Cmdr. Jenny Paul

U.S. Naval Hospital Rota

ROTA, Spain - In a bid to enhance its personnel's preparedness for challenging and high-stress situations, U.S. Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (USNMRTC Rota) has introduced Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) drills into its monthly command PT sessions. This initiative seeks to ensure that medical professionals and support staff are well-equipped to handle casualties on the battlefield.

The integration of TCCC drills into PT exemplifies the command's commitment to maintaining peak readiness and providing the highest standard of care in an operational environment. These drills are designed to simulate real-world combat scenarios, where immediate and effective medical attention can make the difference between life and death.

"Our mission is to provide world-class medical care in any environment, including the battlefield," said Capt. William T. Scouten, the commanding Officer of USNMRTC Rota and a native of West Field, New Jersey. "By integrating TCCC drills into our monthly PT, we are not only improving our fitness but also ensuring that our personnel are ready to respond effectively in high-pressure situations."

The command's PT sessions now feature exercise stations specifically dedicated to TCCC drills, which include simulated casualty scenarios, where participants must assess and provide care for wounded comrades while under time constraints and simulated combat conditions.

"It's challenging, but it's essential," expressed Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Ember Zimmerman, a native of Salem, Oregon, who works in the staff education and training department at USNMRTC Rota. "Knowing that we can rely on our training to save lives in the field is a tremendous confidence booster."

The TCCC drills encompass various aspects of casualty care, including hemorrhage control, airway management, and rapid casualty evacuation. NMRTC Rota's innovative approach ensures that medical personnel are not only physically fit but also possess the necessary skills to perform their duties effectively when it matters most.

USNMRTC Rota’s mission is to prepare service members to deploy in support of operational forces and provide quality healthcare at the Naval Hospital Rota medical treatment facility. The command also sustains medical readiness and is prepared to surge support for major logistics bases and joint tenants throughout the U.S. European Command, U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Central Command areas of responsibility.

• Date Taken: 10.25.2023
• Date Posted: 10.25.2023 09:37
• Story ID: 456484
• Location: ROTA, ES