Expert insights on TCCC, combat casualty care, military medical training, and simulation-based learning from Chester 'Chet' Shermer, MD, FACEP.
11 published articles.
A MEDEVAC handoff can fail before the aircraft arrives. Use a structured report, package the casualty for movement, and plan for the longer trip.
Read En Route Care Starts Before the Aircraft: Package the Casualty for MEDEVAC
The 2026 TCCC hierarchy keeps whole blood first. Here is where dried plasma fits when conventional plasma or balanced blood products cannot reach the casualty.
Read Dried Plasma in TCCC: The Bridge When Whole Blood Is Out of Reach
TCCC Change 24-1 shifts field airway training toward positioning, selective adjuncts, and repeated reassessment. Here is how to train the decision before the device.
Read The 2025 TCCC Airway Update: Position First, Reassess Constantly
The latest prehospital whole-blood evidence does not make the decision simpler. Here is what combat medics should train about product choice, compatibility, handoff, and readiness.
The 1 May 2026 TCCC guideline is a focused update, not a new system. Here is what is adopted, what is only proposed, what did not change at all, and what your unit trains before the next event.
Read What Changed in the 2026 TCCC Update, and What Your Unit Trains Next
A field-ready review of moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury management for combat medics and flight medics, covering initial assessment, secondary injury prevention, and evacuation priorities.
Read Moderate-to-Severe TBI: Immediate Management & Transport
For military medical personnel, maintaining proficiency in NREMT EMT and TCCC-MP is crucial. This guide provides practical strategies for preparing for these certifications and sustaining medical readiness between deployments, ensuring you're always mission-ready.
Read Combat Medic Certifications: NREMT EMT, TCCC-MP & Readiness
Tension pneumothorax is a leading cause of preventable death on the battlefield. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to recognizing and managing this critical injury with needle decompression in tactical environments, adhering to TCCC guidelines.
Read Tension Pneumothorax: Recognition & Needle Decompression
For military medical personnel, mastering Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) isn't just about knowing facts; it's about performing under pressure. This post explores why hands-on simulation training is superior to traditional classroom lectures for TCCC skill retention and operational readiness.
Prolonged Field Care (PFC) is a critical capability for military medical personnel when evacuation is delayed. This post outlines the fundamental principles and practical considerations for managing casualties effectively beyond the initial golden hour, emphasizing resourcefulness and advanced skill sets.
Read PFC Fundamentals: Managing Casualties Beyond the Golden Hour
Mastering TCCC tourniquet application is vital for combat medics. Learn when, where, and how to apply, avoiding common errors to maximize effectiveness and save lives on the battlefield.