Mastering the art of an After Action Review (AAR) can be challenging. The discussion highlights effective feedback techniques, stressing the importance of clarity and structure. Immediate, action-focused feedback is essential in instructional settings. Leadership plays a crucial role in providing concise resolutions and defined purposes for feedback. Discover the right and wrong approaches to giving constructive criticism that can significantly enhance team performance.

All students are different and need different approaches to get them were they need to be. Link to full podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/dennis3211/episodes/Prolonged-Field-Care-Podcast-211-Training-Scars-e2sq2n3

Welcome Back...Let's kick 2025 off with another training discussion. In this conversation, Dennis and John discuss the current state of medical training, particularly in military contexts. They explore the shortcomings of existing training methodologies, emphasizing the need for a foundational knowledge base and a structured approach to skill acquisition. John introduces the concept of cognitive load theory and advocates for a gradual progression in training stressors to enhance learning outcomes. The discussion also touches on cultural challenges within training environments and the importance of engaging experienced learners effectively. In this conversation, Dennis discusses the intricacies of training in operational medicine, emphasizing the importance of establishing a solid training framework, the need for skill development, and the role of effective instructors. He highlights the significance of providing immediate and actionable feedback to build confidence in trainees while avoiding no-win scenarios that can negatively impact learning. The discussion also touches on the cultural aspects of training and the necessity for instructors to adapt their methods based on the audience's experience and needs. Link to Paper: https://nextgencombatmedic.com/2024/09/16/a-lost-opportunity/ Takeaways Training needs a refocus on foundational knowledge. Skill atrophy occurs quickly without regular practice. Repetition is crucial for skill mastery in medical training. Cognitive load theory helps optimize training effectiveness. Gradual progression in stress is essential for learning. Cultural issues can hinder effective training. Experienced learners require different engagement strategies. Training should have clear objectives and outcomes. Effective training must balance quality and quantity of practice. Understanding the audience is key to successful instruction. Establish a clear training framework to guide instruction. Skill development should be prioritized over complex scenarios. Instructors must adapt their teaching methods based on audience experience. Immediate feedback is crucial for effective learning. Avoid no-win scenarios that can demoralize trainees. Confidence building is a key goal of training. Cultural issues can impact training effectiveness. Deliberate practice is essential for instructor improvement. Training scenarios should be relevant and realistic. Instructors should focus on actionable feedback to enhance learning. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Training Philosophy 05:09 Identifying Issues in Current Training Methods 09:52 The Importance of Foundational Knowledge 15:11 Cognitive Load Theory in Training 19:55 Gradual Progression in Stress Training 24:53 Cultural Challenges in Training 29:48 Engaging Experienced Learners 33:46 Establishing a Training Framework 39:46 The Importance of Skill Development 44:50 Creating Effective Instructors 50:39 Feedback and Confidence Building 58:12 Avoiding No-Win Scenarios in Training

What are we doing wrong with medical scenarios? Dennis chats with Jon from Next Generation Combat Medics on Training Scars. Link to full podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/dennis3211/episodes/Prolonged-Field-Care-Podcast-211-Training-Scars-e2sq2n3

In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Dennis and Alex discuss the complexities of trauma surgery, particularly focusing on pelvic injuries and the use of pelvic binders. They explore the subjective nature of truth in medical practice, the importance of research and evidence in trauma care, and the anatomy and physiology related to pelvic injuries. The conversation delves into injury patterns, damage control surgery, and the challenges faced in operational environments. They also engage in a debate about the efficacy of pelvic binders, weighing the evidence and risks involved in their use during trauma care. In this conversation, Dennis discusses the critical importance of evidence-based practice in combat medicine, particularly regarding the use of pelvic binders. He emphasizes the need for medical professionals to understand the nuances of pelvic injuries, especially in a combat environment, and how these injuries differ from civilian cases. The discussion also covers the structured approach to prolonged field care, the management of blood transfusions, and the challenges of imaging in trauma assessment. Dennis advocates for clinical decision-making that prioritizes patient safety and effective care, while also acknowledging the emotional weight of these decisions in high-stakes environments. Takeaways Truth is subjective and varies by perception. Disagreement in medical practice can lead to better patient care. Understanding research quality is crucial in medical decisions. Venous bleeding is more common in pelvic injuries than arterial. Damage control surgery involves multiple phases of patient management. Operational environments present unique challenges for trauma care. Pelvic binders are debated in their effectiveness and necessity. Surgical decision-making requires weighing risks and benefits. Evidence-based medicine is essential but often lacking in operational settings. The role of pelvic binders in trauma care remains contentious. Evidence is crucial in medical practice to avoid misinformation. Dismounted IED blasts result in unique injury patterns. Understanding research and statistics is essential for medical professionals. Pelvic binders may not always be beneficial in every injury case. Timely blood transfusions are critical in managing trauma patients. Imaging plays a vital role in assessing pelvic injuries. Clinical decision-making should be based on patient stability and evidence. Prolonged field care requires a structured approach to patient management. Team collaboration is essential in making difficult medical decisions. Continuous education and training are vital for operational medics. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 02:58 Understanding Trauma Surgery and Pelvic Injuries 06:13 Research and Evidence in Trauma Care 09:06 Anatomy and Physiology of Pelvic Injuries 12:04 Injury Patterns and Their Implications 14:53 Damage Control Surgery and Patient Management 17:48 Operational Environment Challenges 21:03 The Role of Pelvic Binders in Trauma Care 23:52 Debate on Pelvic Binders and Evidence 26:51 Surgical Decision Making in Trauma 29:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 45:19 The Importance of Evidence in Medical Practice 52:34 Understanding Pelvic Injuries in Combat 53:59 Prolonged Field Care: A Structured Approach 01:00:03 Managing Blood Transfusions in Critical Care 01:10:06 The Role of Imaging in Trauma Assessment 01:18:00 Clinical Decision-Making in Prolonged Field Care For more content go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.prolongedfieldcare.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Consider supporting us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.lobocoffeeco.com/product-page/prolonged-field-care

Here's another great podcast from early '24. This was a great presentation at SOMSA 24 and finished the year at #2. This podcast episode discusses the challenges and trends in Special Operations Medicine, focusing on the training and evaluation of medics. The speakers share insights from their experiences at the Joint Special Operations Medical Training Center, highlighting the importance of regular training, data collection, and critical thinking in medical scenarios. They also address common challenges faced by medics, including equipment access and the need for realistic training feedback. The episode concludes with recommendations for improving medic training at the unit level. Takeaways Not all medics are underperforming, but some are. Regular training significantly improves medic performance. Data collection is essential for understanding training outcomes. Critical thinking is crucial in medical scenarios. Pass rates indicate the effectiveness of training programs. Equipment access is a major challenge for medics. Feedback during training is vital for skill improvement. Units that conduct regular medical training perform better. Understanding drug administration is critical for medics. More robust training at the unit level is necessary. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Special Operations Medicine 03:17 Understanding Medic Training and Trends 06:37 Overview of Sustainment Courses 10:51 Evaluating Medic Proficiency 15:42 Pass Rates and Observations 19:05 Identifying Common Medic Challenges 25:40 Equipment and Training Gaps 31:57 Recommendations for Improved Training 37:20 Closing Remarks and Future Directions For more content go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.prolongedfieldcare.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Consider supporting us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.lobocoffeeco.com/product-page/prolonged-field-care

Here's another great podcast from early '24. This was a great conversation and finished the year at #3. In this episode of the PFC podcast, Dennis and Doug delve into the complexities of crush syndrome, discussing the importance of scene safety, initial assessment, and the management of casualties in dynamic environments. They explore the application of tourniquets, fluid resuscitation strategies, and the monitoring of potential complications such as reperfusion injury and electrolyte imbalances. The conversation emphasizes the need for a structured approach to treatment, including the use of sodium bicarbonate and calcium, as well as the critical role of wound management and antibiotics in ensuring positive patient outcomes. Takeaways Scene safety is crucial for rescuers. Crush syndrome patients may have multiple traumatic injuries. Tourniquets should be applied before freeing the casualty. Fluid resuscitation is essential for managing crush syndrome. Monitoring for complications is vital after initial treatment. Reperfusion injury can occur hours after the event. Electrolyte imbalances, especially potassium, must be managed. Sodium bicarbonate can help stabilize patients in shock. Calcium administration is important for cardiac stability. Wound management and antibiotics are key in crush injuries. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Crush Syndrome 02:50 Scene Safety in Dynamic Environments 05:55 Initial Assessment and Triage 09:01 Tourniquet Application and Management 12:08 Fluid Resuscitation Strategies 15:00 Monitoring and Managing Complications 18:10 Reperfusion Injury and Its Implications 20:48 Electrolyte Management in Crush Syndrome 23:55 Sodium Bicarbonate and Calcium Administration 27:10 Wound Management and Antibiotic Use 30:04 Final Thoughts and Summary Thank you to Delta Development Team for in part, sponsoring this podcast. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠deltadevteam.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For more content go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.prolongedfieldcare.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Consider supporting us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.lobocoffeeco.com/product-page/prolonged-field-care

Here's another great podcast from early '24. This was a great conversation and finished the year at #4. In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Dennis and John delve into the complexities of chest trauma management, discussing the appropriate use of chest seals, the importance of blood resuscitation, and the nuances of various medical interventions such as needle decompression and finger thoracotomy. They also explore the need for a revised approach to the March algorithm, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing hemorrhage control over other interventions. The conversation highlights the evolving nature of trauma care and the necessity for continuous improvement in medical protocols. Takeaways Chest seals can be overused and may cause harm. Assessing the need for a chest seal is crucial. Blood resuscitation may take precedence over chest interventions. The March algorithm may need reevaluation based on current data. Finger thoracotomy should be a more widely taught skill. Needle decompression has varying success rates and may not be the best first option. The timing of interventions can significantly impact patient outcomes. Training should reflect real-world scenarios and not just theoretical protocols. Understanding the nuances of chest trauma is essential for effective treatment. Continuous updates to medical guidelines are necessary for optimal care. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Chest Trauma Management 01:47 Understanding Chest Seals and Their Use 06:34 The Debate on Chest Seal Application 10:50 Reassessing the March Algorithm 12:49 The Role of Blood Resuscitation in Trauma 21:36 Exploring Needle Decompression and Finger Thoracotomy 32:51 Managing Hemothorax and Pneumothorax 43:58 Revamping the Chest Management Algorithm Thank you to Delta Development Team for in part, sponsoring this podcast. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠deltadevteam.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For more content go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.prolongedfieldcare.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Consider supporting us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.lobocoffeeco.com/product-page/prolonged-field-care

Here's another great podcast from early '24. This was a great conversation and finished the year at #5. In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Dennis interviews Steve Schauer, an active duty lieutenant colonel in the US Army, about his research on calcium levels in trauma patients. They discuss the significance of calcium in trauma care, the challenges of conducting research in military settings, and the methodology of their study. Steve shares insights on the correlation between calcium derangements and patient outcomes, the importance of data collection, and the implications for trauma care practices. The conversation also touches on the prioritization of interventions in trauma situations and the evolving nature of medical practices.TakeawaysCalcium levels are critical in trauma care.The study aims to assess calcium derangements in trauma patients.There are significant differences between military and civilian trauma.Injury severity scores may not accurately reflect military trauma.Pre-hospital care can impact calcium levels upon arrival.Data collection is complex but essential for accurate results.Calcium administration should be approached cautiously.TXA is prioritized after blood in trauma interventions.Future research will provide more insights into calcium's role.Medical practices are constantly evolving based on new research.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Calcium Study in Trauma02:49 Understanding Calcium's Role in Trauma05:54 Challenges in Trauma Research09:05 Data Collection and Methodology11:50 Calcium Levels and Patient Outcomes15:00 Retrospective Data Insights18:02 Calcium Administration in Trauma Care20:55 Prioritizing Interventions in Trauma24:13 Future Research Directions27:06 Conclusion and Future InsightsThank you to Delta Development Team for in part, sponsoring this podcast. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠deltadevteam.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For more content go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.prolongedfieldcare.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Consider supporting us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.lobocoffeeco.com/product-page/prolonged-field-care

Here's another great podcast from early '24. This was a great conversation with a legend and finished the year at #6. In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Phil Gonzalez shares his extensive experiences in combat medicine, detailing his journey from the military to becoming a Special Forces medic. He reflects on his time in Vietnam, the challenges faced, and the lessons learned in the field. Phil discusses the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and the unique role of medics in combat situations. He also shares insights into his culinary experiences in the field and his transition to working with indigenous communities, emphasizing the desire to make a positive impact on people's lives through medicine. In this conversation, Dennis shares his transformative journey as a medic, detailing his experiences in tropical medicine, community healing, and the importance of empathy and communication in medical practice. He reflects on the cultural integration he experienced while working in isolated regions, the challenges he faced, and the profound impact of his work on the lives of those he served. Dennis emphasizes the significance of mentorship, adaptability, and the human connection in medicine, ultimately highlighting the legacy of healing and lifelong learning that defines a true medic. Takeaways Phil Gonzalez is a renowned figure in combat medicine. His military journey began in the Army Security Agency. Vietnam was a pivotal experience that shaped his career. The role of medics in combat is crucial and multifaceted. Teamwork and adaptability are essential in high-stress situations. Culinary experiences in the field can be unique and challenging. Phil's epiphany to become a medic came from observing his peers. The mystique of medicine creates a special bond with patients. His experiences in Columbia highlighted the importance of community. Phil's journey reflects a lifelong commitment to helping others. The journey of a medic is filled with challenges and learning opportunities. Cultural integration is essential for effective community healing. Empathy and human connection are at the core of medical practice. Communication is crucial in crisis situations and can save lives. Mentorship plays a vital role in shaping future medics. The word 'doctor' translates to 'teacher' in many cultures. Passion and dedication are key attributes for success in medicine. Every patient deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. Building trust within the community enhances the healing process. The legacy of a medic is defined by the lives they touch and improve. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Phil Gonzalez and Combat Medicine 02:11 Phil's Early Military Experiences 04:33 Arrival in Vietnam: First Impressions 07:59 The Role of the Army Security Agency 10:23 Memorable Operations and Lessons Learned 15:15 Survival and Reflection in Combat 20:28 The Importance of Teamwork and Adaptability 23:58 Culinary Experiences in the Field 27:21 The Epiphany: Becoming a Medic 30:20 The Mystique of Medicine in Combat 32:43 Experiences in Columbia and the Role of Medics 37:48 Transitioning to a Medic Role 40:47 Life After Vietnam: New Assignments 43:41 The Journey into Archaeology and Medicine 51:43 Working with Indigenous Communities 52:40 The Journey of a Medic 59:59 Cultural Integration and Community Healing 01:10:10 Communication and Adaptability in Crisis 01:20:08 Empathy and Human Connection in Medicine 01:30:13 Legacy of Healing and Lifelong Learning Thank you to Delta Development Team for in part, sponsoring this podcast. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠deltadevteam.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For more content go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.prolongedfieldcare.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Consider supporting us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.lobocoffeeco.com/product-page/prolonged-field-care