Combat medics of the United States military may put themselves at greater risk than many other roles on the battlefield. In recent conflicts, the enemies faced by a professional army (often insurgents) may not have respect for the laws of war and may actively target combat medics for the significant value they have in keeping the unit combat-effective. Since the non-combatant status granted to medics may not always be respected, modern combat medics carry weapons for personal defense and in most Western armies are virtually indistinguishable from regular infantrymen.
Arms and insignia
While many historical medics were unarmed and marked, most modern medics are unmarked, and armed with smallarms. Chaplains can also carry weapons to defend themselves. The First Geneva Convention forbids attacks on medical units even under the conditions: That the personnel of the unit or establishment are armed, and that they use the arms in their own defence, or in that of the wounded and sick in their charge. That in the absence of armed orderlies, the unit or establishment is protected by a picket or by sentries or by an escort. That small arms and ammunition taken from the wounded and sick and not yet handed to the proper service, are found in the unit or establishment. That personnel and material of the veterinary service are found in the unit or establishment, without forming an integral part thereof. That the humanitarian activities of medical units and establishments or of their personnel extend to the care of civilian wounded or sick.
The Combat Medic is commonly referred to as "Doc." Within a combat unit, they function as a member of an infantry platoon up until the point that one of their comrades is wounded. Therefore, the Medic carries basically what a Rifleman or any other soldier carries. The basic equipment of a US Army medic usually consists of:
An M4A1, now being replaced by the XM5, and/or a Sig Sauer M17/M18 Modular Handgun System. A MOLLE Vest with a full "combat load," being (most often) 210 rounds for the M4A1 carbine or XM5 rifle. An Improved Outer Tactical Vest or Soldier Plate Carrier System, now being phased out in favor for the newer Modular Scalable Vest; The Army Combat Uniform; An ACH, or Advanced Combat Helmet, being replaced by the Enhanced Combat Helmet or Integrated Head Protection System.
Medical equipment
A combat medic will typically carry a backpack styled bag known as a "Unit One Pack". Aid bags are available from many different manufacturers, in many different styles. Depending on the unit and their standard operating procedures, the medic may have to follow a strict packing list, or may have the liberty of choosing their kit depending on the mission at hand. A typical aid bag will include:
Fluid Resuscitation
IV fluids and tubing. The amount and the exact fluid solution will vary on the length and type of the mission. Normal Saline/0.9% Sodium Chloride, Hetastarch/Hextend, and Lactated Ringers Solution (LR) are usually carried. 18, 16, and 14 gauge IV catheters. IO intraosseous infusion access kit. This may come in the form of a B.I.G device or more commonly the EZ IO Drill. Historically the FAST 1 Kit has been used to gain IO access with this becoming less popular as technology develops.
Hemorrhage (blood loss) Control
CAT, SOFT-T or improvised tourniquets. Tourniquets are used for the care under fire phase of tactical combat casualty care, to stop massive life-threatening hemorrhage. Noting that improvised tourniquets are seldom effective. Emergency Trauma Bandages, a newer version of the first aid pressure dressing. Wound Packing Gauze, for stopping hemorrhage, or creating a bulky dressing. Hemostatic agents, such as Celox, Hemcon bandages, and others. Some hemostatic agents are controversial due to history of being exothermic and causing burns to the patient. This type has been phased out with newer versions which do not cause burns.