The 61st Medical Battalion of the Tennessee State Guard (State Defense Force) has been exceptionally busy over the past few months, actively supporting joint training operations across Tennessee. Earlier in the year, members of the battalion showcased their endurance and camaraderie by participating in the rigorous Norwegian Foot March alongside soldiers from the Tennessee Army National Guard and ROTC programs across the state. This demanding event highlighted the battalion’s dedication and strong esprit de corps.
Adding to their impressive portfolio, the 61st Medical Battalion recently spearheaded a crucial training initiative—a comprehensive five-day Combat Lifesaver (CLS) course held at Fort Campbell. This essential medical training supported the Tennessee Army National Guard’s 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, significantly enhancing the regiment’s medical readiness and combat lifesaving capabilities.
In March, the 61st Medical Battalion hosted another significant training event, attracting participants from numerous State Defense Forces nationwide. Personnel from the Mississippi State Guard, Ohio Military Reserve, Michigan Defense Force, and other units attended this specialized medical training event, known as the Tactical Combat Casualty Care All Service Members (TCCC ASM) course. The TCCC ASM is a rigorous program designed to equip service members with critical medical skills to deliver immediate trauma care in high stress environments. The 61st expertly coordinated and instructed this vital course, training 27 State Defense Force personnel, thus strengthening medical readiness across multiple states.
Continuing their proactive role in medical training, the 61st Medical Battalion provided essential Critical Orthopedic training in April to medics and physical therapists of the Tennessee Army National Guard’s 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment. This specialized training, involving 14 medics and two physical therapists, covered comprehensive orthopedic examinations, recognition of critical orthopedic “Red Flags,” and emergency conditions typically encountered during routine sick call operations. Participants were also trained in fundamental stabilization and immobilization techniques necessary for handling orthopedic emergencies effectively.
The Tennessee State Guard’s 61st Medical Battalion remains a crucial support element for the Tennessee National Guard, consistently providing expert assistance through its cadre of board-certified doctors, dentists, nurses, medics, and emergency medical technicians. Their ongoing efforts significantly contribute to enhancing the medical preparedness and overall mission capabilities of the Tennessee National Guard.
61st coordinated and instructed the NAEMT TCCC ASM course to 27 SDF from across the nation on VTS-S Saturday.
61st provided Critical Orthopedic training to TNARNG 278th ACR medics, (14 medics, and 2 physical therapists), to include exams and criteria for “Red Flags” on the typically seen Orthopedic condition that show up during routine sick call coverage. Also, on recognizing some “Emergency” orthopedic conditions and typical stabilization and immobilization techniques.
Source: Tennessee State Guard
