WarDocs - The Military Medicine Podcast
Health & Fitness:Medicine
Get ready to experience a gripping journey to the intersection of combat and Military Medicine as we share an enriching conversation with Chad McCoy, a seasoned Air Force Pararescueman (PJ) with an astounding 17 combat deployments around the globe. Chad offers us a look at his life through a raw and authentic lens, recounting high-profile rescue missions, medical care under fire in challenging environments, and the profound journey to becoming a PJ. Buckle up and join us as we uncover the realities of combat, the complexities of military medicine, and the importance of high integrity and ethical standards in the PJ selection process. Chad's gripping tales of high-profile rescue missions and providing medical care in high-stress environments will keep you on the edge of your seat.
We highlight Chad's unique career as a PJ where an U2 rescue mission early in his career shed light on his exceptional skills and how he could support complex missions. From deployments to the Philippines in the wake of 9/11 to the rigorous training required to join the elite 24th Special Tactics Squadron. He recounts some of his most challenging missions, including treating a Somali pirate with a hand injury during a hijacking attempt of a civilian vessel off the coast of East Africa. Chad's riveting anecdotes provide an in-depth understanding of the diverse opportunities and experiences within the military healthcare team. As we dig deeper, Chad unveils his most challenging missions, emphasizing the crucial role of contingency planning for medical supplies, team dynamics in providing medical care, and the ethical dilemmas that come with the territory.
As we transition into Chad's post-military life, he enlightens us about his role as a co-founder of Firestorm Labs. We discuss his transition from military life, the importance of finding a new purpose, and the role technology plays in military operations. Chad's insights testify to his commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and his enduring legacy in military medicine. Join us for an engaging conversation that promises a rare glimpse into the life of a true war hero. Let Chad's insights into resilience, purpose, and the realities of combat inspire you.
Chapters:
(0:00:00) - Rescue Missions and Combat Experiences
(0:09:43) - Career in Special Tactics Squadron
(0:19:12) - Challenges and Lessons Learned in Combat
(0:29:03) - Military Medicine Pain Control and Equipment
(0:32:17) - Ethics and Challenges in Tactical Medicine
(0:42:05) - Medical Care in Challenging Environments
(0:49:23) - Military Life to New Purpose Transition
Chapter Summaries:
(0:00:00) - Rescue Missions and Combat Experiences (10 Minutes)
Chad McCoy, an Air Force Pararescueman (PJ) with 17 combat deployments around the globe, discusses his journey to becoming a PJ, his experiences providing medical care under fire in austere locations, and his passion for innovation and entrepreneurship in the military and civilian sectors. We also learn about the comprehensive medical training Chad went through to become a PJ and how the process has evolved since then. Tune in to learn more about Chad McCoy and gain insight into the mission, unique opportunities, and deployed experiences of the entire military healthcare team.
(0:09:43) - Career in Special Tactics Squadron (9 Minutes)
Chad speaks about his journey to becoming a PJ and the challenges he faced along the way. One of his formative missions was a U2 pilot rescue, and it was an experience that showed him the amazing skills he brought to the table. After 9/11, Chad was deployed to the Philippines where he performed search and rescue mission with the Filipinos. However, he decided he wanted to do more and experience combat. He describes his pathway to joining the elite 24th Special Tactics Squadron.
(0:19:12) - Challenges and Lessons Learned in Combat (10 Minutes)
Chad McCoy, with 17 combat deployments, shares his experience of an intense mission where he discovers the limitations of poleless litters, where he encountered multiple casualties and had to treat and egress a soldier with a gunshot wound. He talks about the challenges of this mission and the lessons he learned from it. We discuss the utility of 360-degree evaluation usage and how it can be used to reduce the bias out of selection, and the importance of looking for people with different ways of thinking and diverse skill sets. The importance of having high integrity and ethical standards in the selection process for PJs is also discussed.
(0:29:03) - Military Medicine Pain Control and Equipment (3 Minutes)
Chad McCoy shares his experiences with Skedcos, pole litters, and the importance of pain control. He also sheds light on the differences between formal US training opportunities and on-the-job learning and how his personal experience with the jaws of life provided a unique perspective on the use of pain control medications following trauma.
(0:32:17) - Ethics and Challenges in Tactical Medicine (10 Minutes)
Chad McCoy shares his experience of a mission that challenged his skills where he had to life saving procedures for a combatant who had been shot over 20 times. He also talks about the challenges of using pain medications in a tactical environment, team dynamics when providing medical care, the ropes aspect of being a PJ, the dilemma of having to provide for both American and partner forces, and the importance of contingency planning for medical supplies. Chad also discusses the most challenging military combat task he found as a PJ.
(0:42:05) - Medical Care in Challenging Environments (7 Minutes)
Chad shares his experience treating a Somali pirate with a hand injury during a marine vessel hijacking. He reflects on the preparedness of PJs for prolonged field care scenarios and how he had to improvise in order to provide the best care. He also discusses the resilience of the local population and the importance of relying on training and experience to succeed in tough scenarios. He highlights the differences between US training and the local host-nation medical practice and how he used telemedicine for advice on surgical procedures.
(0:49:23) - Military Life to New Purpose Transition (7 Minutes)
Chad discusses his transition from the military to civilian life and his work as a co-founder of Firestorm Labs. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the loss one feels during transition and finding purpose in something different. He also explains how technology is the differentiator for military operations and how Firestorm Labs is part of the solution. Lastly, Chad reflects on his legacy in military and military medicine, expressing his gratitude for his experience and his commitment to sharing his knowledge.
Take Home Messages:
Episode Keywords:
Air Force Pararescueman, Chad McCoy, Combat Deployments, Medical Training, High-Profile Rescue Missions, Medical Care, Technology in Military Operations, Contingency Planning, Post-Military Experiences, Co-Founding Firestorm Labs, Resilience, Purpose, Combat Experiences, Special Tactics Squadron, Pain Control, Equipment, Ethics, Challenges, Tactical Medicine, Prolonged Field Care, Telemedicine, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Military Life, New Purpose Transition, Legacy in Military Medicine
Hashtags:
#wardocs #military #medicine #podcast #MilMed #MedEd #AirForceMedicine #AirForcePararescueman #CombatLife #ChadMcCoy #MilitaryMedicine #HighStakesRescue #BattlefieldStories #TransitioningToCivilianLife #FirestormLabs #SurvivingTheSkies #ResilienceInCombat
Honoring the Legacy and Preserving the History of Military Medicine
The WarDocs Mission is to honor the legacy, preserve the oral history, and showcase career opportunities, unique expeditionary experiences, and achievements of Military Medicine. We foster patriotism and pride in Who we are, What we do, and, most importantly, How we serve Our Patients, the DoD, and Our Nation.
Find out more and join Team WarDocs at https://www.wardocspodcast.com/
Check our list of previous guest episodes at https://www.wardocspodcast.com/episodes
Listen to the “What We Are For” Episode 47. https://bit.ly/3r87Afm
WarDocs- The Military Medicine Podcast is a Non-Profit, Tax-exempt-501(c)(3) Veteran Run Organization run by volunteers. All donations are tax-deductible and go to honoring and preserving the history, experiences, successes, and lessons learned in Military Medicine. A tax receipt will be sent to you.
WARDOCS documents the experiences, contributions, and innovations of all military medicine Services, ranks, and Corps who are affectionately called "Docs" as a sign of respect, trust, and confidence on and off the battlefield, demonstrating dedication to the medical care of fellow comrades in arms.
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MG(R) George Weightman, MD- Commander, Command Surgeon- Optimizing Medical Support to Combat Units Across the Globe
Lt Gen (Ret) Bruce Green, MD- 20th Air Force Surgeon General Shapes Military Medicine using Crises Leadership Experience Gained in every Region of the World
Command Sergeant Major Diamond D. Hough- US Army Medicine’s Senior Soldier Medic Leverages Battlefield Experience to Influence the Next Generation of Combat Medics.
COL David R. King, MD, FACS- Trauma Surgeon Responds to the Boston Marathon Bombing and Provides and Innovates Surgical Critical Care for Special Operations and Civilian Trauma Patients.
Major General (RET) Gale S. Pollock: CRNA, First Female and First Nonphysician Army Surgeon General and 22nd Chief of the Army Nurse Corps
BG (R) Norvell “Van” Coots, MD Military Medicine Impacts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East; a Motivational Story of Perseverance, Ambition, and a Never Quit Attitude
COL(R) Kent E. Kester, MD- Important Impacts of Translational Research Medicine in Military and Global Healthcare
(Pt. 2) COL(R) John B. Holcomb, MD, FACS- Innovations in Hemorrhage Control and Transfusion Paradigms Redefining Trauma Combat Casualty Care Guidelines (2 of 2)
(Pt. 1) COL(R) John B. Holcomb, MD, FACS- Special Operations Surgeon uses Lessons Learned in Somalia to Revolutionize Combat Casualty Care in the Global War on Terrorism (1 of 2)
WarDocs-The Military Medicine Podcast- What Are We For? Our Origin Story and Mission
LTG(R) Eric B. Schoomaker, MD, PhD, FACP– Adapting to the Challenges of a Constantly Changing Strategic Landscape to Shape and Enhance Military Combat Care (Part 2 of 2)
LTG(R) Eric B. Schoomaker, MD, PhD, FACP – Excellence in Academic Medicine and Strategic Military Medical Leadership (Part 1 of 2)
COL (Ret.) Russ Kotwal, MD, MPH – Studying the Chaos of Battlefield Injuries in a Standardized Manner to Advance Battlefield Trauma Care (Part 2 of 2)
COL (Ret.) Russ Kotwal, MD, MPH – Ranger Battalion and Regimental Medical Care in Two Combat Jumps and 12 Operational Deployments (Part 1 of 2)
COL(R) Edward B. Lucci, M.D.- Disaster Preparedness and CBRN Defense Expert- Responses to 9/11, Anthrax, Ricin and More. Lessons Learned and the Way Forward.
Brigadier General Shan Bagby DMD, MHA – The Importance of developing a Diverse Military Medical Force and Leading through Tough Social Times and an Inside look at Deployed Dental Care (Part 2 of 2)
Brigadier General Shan Bagby DMD, MHA – Battlefield Dental Care, the Role of Dentists in Leading Military Medicine, and the Dual Military and Medical Professional (Part 1 of 2)
COL (R) Robert Adams, MD- Former Navy SEAL Joins Army Medicine- Adventures as the Delta Force Surgeon and Deployments with the 82nd Airborne Division.
RADM Bruce L. Gillingham MD- Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon, Undersea Medical Officer and Current Surgeon General of the United States Navy.
Lieutenant General (Ret). Mark A. Ediger, MD- From Rural Family Medicine Physician to Flight Surgeon to Air Force Surgeon General
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