PFC Podcast 267: Why your Medics Suck 2

Feb 23, 2026

A frank look at how medic training has changed and where it still falls short. They highlight common training failures like IVs, airway timing, and medication mistakes. You hear how standards and grading were created, instructor selection and train-up processes, and why first-run failure rates are so high but improve with practice.

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INSIGHT

Training Frequency Drives Competency

Training frequency directly correlates with medic competency and some units improved after the presentation.
Civil Affairs adopted lanes and audits after Rick taught lane setup, but gains slipped with personnel turnover and PCS moves.

ANECDOTE

Showing Civil Affairs How To Run Lanes

Rick contrasts well-prepared Ranger and Task Force 160 medics with variable Civil Affairs and 18 Delta entrants.
He describes teaching Civil Affairs how to run trauma lanes and seeing measurable competency increases afterward.

INSIGHT

First Run Failures Stack Quickly

Common failures on first runs are technical (IVs) and organizational (delays, not knowing kit).
These stack: failed IV leads to no blood route, missed meds due to not reading labels, and time lost digging through kit.

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In this episode of the PFC podcast, Dennis and Rick discuss the current state of medic training, improvements made since previous presentations, challenges faced by medics, and the standards and grading criteria that have been established. They delve into common failures observed during training, the selection and training of instructors, and potential future adjustments to the training programs. The conversation highlights the importance of continuous improvement in combat medicine and the need for effective training to ensure medics are prepared for real-life scenarios.

Takeaways

Some units have improved their medic training significantly.
Competency in medical training is essential for effective performance.
Training issues persist in some units despite improvements in others.
The grading sheet for medics is now published and accessible.
Common failures include difficulties with IVs and delays in treatment.
Instructor selection is crucial for effective medic training.
Future adjustments to training programs are always being considered.
The failure rate for first-time runs is notably high, but improves with practice.
Standards for medic training are being standardized for consistency.
Communication and feedback are vital for improving medic performance.

Chapters

03:01 Improvements in Medic Training and Competency

06:00 Challenges in Medic Training and Personnel Changes

08:56 Standards and Grading Criteria for Medics

12:09 Common Failures in Medic Training

14:58 Instructor Selection and Training

18:02 Future Adjustments in Medic Training

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