Combat Medical Technician

Combat Medical Technician (CMT) is a specialist soldier in the British Army and the Royal Air Force, trained to provide medical support and care to the armed forces in both peacetime and during conflict.

Role and Responsibilities

The primary role of a Combat Medical Technician is to provide emergency medical treatment, evacuation, and some aspects of healthcare and medicine in the field. This can range from providing first aid on the battlefield to assisting in the running of field hospitals.

CMTs are trained to deal with a wide range of medical conditions and injuries, including trauma, fractures, heart conditions, and infectious diseases. They are also trained in the use of a variety of medical equipment and pharmaceuticals.

Training

Training to become a Combat Medical Technician involves both military and medical training. The military training includes basic soldiering skills such as weapon handling, fieldcraft, and physical fitness. The medical training covers a wide range of topics including anatomy, physiology, first aid, emergency medicine, and nursing skills.

Career Progression

Career progression for a Combat Medical Technician can involve specialising in a particular area of medicine, such as emergency medicine, orthopedics, or anaesthetics. There are also opportunities for promotion to higher ranks, and for further education and training.

See Also

• Medic
• Military Medicine
• Field Hospital