Combat medics play a unique role in the military. Not only must they be experts in battlefield medicine, but they must also remain proficient in combat tactical skills. They frequently witness injuries and death and are often exposed to the personal threat of trauma. Medics run towards the danger to render aid to those injured while exposing themselves to enemy fire. While under attack, medics must fight alongside their fellow soldiers. Combat medics and corpsmen felt the best way to serve and save lives was alongside the troops.

While they can easily rationalize, they cannot save everyone, which causes high levels of stress. Because of this double-duty role, combat medics often face stressors that other military specialties do not. Military medics are at high risk for burnout, compassion fatigue, combat stress, and medic PTSD.

Tonight’s guest is MSG Matthew Sims, who served our country as a combat medic. In 2005, during his deployment to Iraq, Matt regularly placed himself in harm’s way. Matt was awarded three Purple Hearts. Though retired, Matt continues to serve today.