This week, Aebhric O’Kelly is joined by Robert Jędrych, a Polish tactical medicine instructor and founder of the Eagle Med System, who appears on the CoROM Podcast to discuss the evolution of tactical medicine and prolonged field care (PFC) training in Poland and Central Europe. Drawing from more than two decades of experience as a paramedic and tactical medicine educator, Robert shares insights into the realities of preparing civilian and military medical personnel for austere and conflict-adjacent environments.

The discussion explores the growing demand for prolonged casualty care education due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, the limitations of current civilian tactical medicine pathways, and the importance of realistic scenario-based training. Robert also reflects on his first attendance at the Special Operations Medical Association Scientific Assembly conference and outlines his vision for the future of tactical medicine education in Poland.

Chapters

• 00:00 – Introduction to Robert Jędrych and his background in tactical and austere medicine

• 02:20 – Launching the first Austere Emergency Care (AEC) programme in Poland

• 03:40 – Why prolonged field care training is increasingly important in Eastern Europe

• 04:40 – Medical support and casualty flow from Ukraine into Poland

• 05:10 – Building Eagle Med System and tactical medicine education in Poland

• 05:45 – Civilian TCCC versus TECC: the confusion in tactical medicine education

• 07:30 – Why TECC lacks a Combat Medic/Corpsman equivalent pathway

• 11:15 – Discussion on developing an advanced TECC training framework

• 14:50 – The impact of prolonged field care and AEC training on operational readiness

• 16:20 – What is missing from current tactical medicine training programmes

• 17:20 – The importance of realistic scenarios, stress inoculation, and live tissue/cadaver training

• 20:50 – Lessons learned from prolonged field care scenarios and provider fatigue

• 21:00 – Attending the Special Operations Medical Association Scientific Assembly conference for the first time

• 23:05 – Robert’s five-year plan for tactical medicine and PFC development in Poland

• 25:00 – Advice for new medics entering austere and tactical medicine

• 27:10 – Final thoughts and future collaboration

Key Discussion Points

The Growth of Austere Emergency Care in Poland

Robert discusses implementing the first AEC programme in Poland and the growing recognition that prolonged casualty care requires far more than procedural medicine. Topics include leadership, communication, patient monitoring, documentation, and decision-making in hostile and resource-limited environments.

Civilian Tactical Medicine and the TECC Gap

The episode examines the disconnect between civilian tactical medicine needs and current educational pathways. While TCCC remains widely recognised, Robert and Aebhric discuss the absence of a TECC equivalent to the Combat Medic/Corpsman pathway and the need for advanced civilian tactical medical training.

Realistic Scenario Training

Robert emphasises that high-fidelity scenarios, environmental stress, fatigue, noise, and realistic casualty simulation are essential for preparing providers to function under pressure. He highlights the importance of moving beyond classroom mannequin training into operationally relevant simulation.

Lessons from Ukraine

Poland’s proximity to the war in Ukraine has shaped the urgency of tactical medicine education. Robert explains how exposure to real-world casualty care challenges has reinforced the need for prolonged field care training among both military and civilian healthcare providers.

Building the Future of Tactical Medicine

Robert outlines his vision for creating a dedicated training centre, expanding international partnerships, and building a stronger community of instructors capable of teaching evidence-based medicine grounded in operational realities.