MC4 has long been a supporter of Army medical units using the deployable EMR and the medical logistics (MEDLOG) DCAM application in garrison battalion aid stations (a.k.a. Train as you Fight), but now we’re in a better position to support them once they’ve made the leap. We are in the process of implementing a new stateside regional support structure mirroring our approach to deployed customers. Using our eastern, central and western region support sites as hubs, units adding MC4 to their training exercises or garrison aid stations will have a dedicated resource to lean on, using the tiered support structure as a guide. Our sites now have dedicated resources on-hand to quickly and specifically address issues and concerns with the MC4 Train as you Fight Initiative.
Our goal is to ensure systems are used optimally, while at the same time ensuring units take ownership of the system so they’re better prepared to clear hurdles when they deploy. For units not using MC4 in garrison and those considering the adoption of the system in garrison aid stations, we have standard operating procedures on hand to get them started.
In July I reported that garrison use was up 52 percent. Since then, a few more units have seen the light and are taking advantage of the no-cost solution that MC4 offers. We’ve been providing support to the units at Fort Stewart over the past few months, working closely with the 3rd Infantry Division surgeon staff by providing Medical Situational Awareness in Theater (MSAT) training in preparation for upcoming field training exercises (FTXs).
We’ve also been busy answering requests from the Survive, Evade, Resist, Escape (SERE) School at Fort Rucker, Ala., the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment at Fort Irwin, Calif., and the III Corps at Fort Hood, Texas, for MC4 training to transition their battalion aid stations from paper to electronic records. Also, Army South, based out of Fort Sam Houston, is online with MC4.
For deploying units, using the system before shipping out has become a best practice. The Army doesn’t send units onto the battlefield with weapons they’ve never seen before. Likewise, units downrange shouldn’t be introduced to their EMR system in the middle of the fight. Maj. Theodore Stefani, a brigade surgeon for the 2nd BCT, 4th Infantry Division, recently shared his experience using MC4 in garrison before deploying. His experiences certainly hit home for many, as he details how garrison use of the system aims at improving overall operational readiness and minimizing the scope of mandatory refresher training courses.
At the end of the day, it’s all about enhancing the overall care Soldier’s receive. The Army is focused on improving life for the Soldier downrange; why not make some home improvements here in the states that’ll make that monumental task a bit easier? We’ll continue to focus on this need, and are currently working with the Army Medical Department to analyze trends and challenges with documenting care and restocking medical supplies in garrison-based aid stations to see how we can continue to close the gap in medical recording.
In the meantime, check out our new Garrison Use Frequently Asked Questions page on The Gateway. We’ll be releasing more tips in the weeks and months ahead. In the interim, we’re just a phone call away.