TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of National Defense (MND, 國防部) has made a significant leap in military medical training by investing over NT$900 million in the construction of a new facility dedicated to tactical combat casualty and disaster incident medical training, marking the first time artificial intelligence technology has been incorporated to enhance the armed forces' capabilities in battlefield medical response.
This initiative, completed at the end of 2023, aims to bolster the self-rescue and aid skills of soldiers, particularly focusing on the newly mandated one-year mandatory service curriculum that now includes combat casualty care as a core component.
Enhancing Combat Medical Skills
The collaboration with the U.S. military has yielded a structured combat casualty care training program that categorizes medical response into four levels, ranging from individual first aid to professional medical assistance.
Currently, Taiwan boasts six seed instructors and 18 advanced emergency medical technology and paramedic (EMTP) personnel, a testament to the program's success.
The introduction of the Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC, 戰場創傷護理) system has been a game-changer, with the U.S. military experiencing a surge in casualty survival rates to 92% after its adoption.
Former Army Special Forces Command Commander Kuo Li-sheng (郭力升) highlighted the TCCC's critical role in meeting medical needs under combat conditions, emphasizing its effectiveness in stabilizing and evacuating the wounded under enemy fire.
The Road Ahead
The importance of self-rescue capabilities has become increasingly apparent, especially in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, prompting both civilians and military personnel to recognize the value of personal first aid kits provided by charitable organizations.
Enoch Wu (吳怡農), chairman of the Forward Alliance (壯闊台灣), stressed that tactical medical aid is merely the initial step in a comprehensive care process that includes advanced treatment at medical facilities.
However, Kuo pointed out a significant hurdle: the TCCC program lacks certification from the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW, 衛福部), suggesting that future collaboration between the military and health departments will be crucial to fully leverage these resources and expertise.
As Taiwan continues to advance its military medical training capabilities, the integration of TCCC principles and AI technology represents a pivotal move towards enhancing soldiers' survival and recovery on the battlefield.
The ongoing development of these programs not only prepares military personnel for the realities of combat but also underscores the importance of cross-departmental cooperation in elevating the nation's defense and medical readiness.