Background: Medical simulation is widely recognized as an essential component of healthcare professional training, including in military training programs around the world. Combat medicine presents unique challenges that can affect the quality of care provided. We aimed to analyze the benefits of medical simulation in the training of combat paramedics.

Methods: Two groups of military medics underwent a simulation scenario. One group had previously completed a simulation training with a full-body mannequin, while the second group completed the same training under simulated battle conditions with using imitations of real injuries. The speed and precision of individual treatment procedures, as well as the physiological parameters of the participants, were analyzed during the simulation.

Results: A total of 14 participants were included with comparable demographic backgrounds. Both groups had comparable results regarding vital functions and behavior during the evacuation of the wounded as well as the performance tests. The second group performed better in all measured parameters. The rise in salivary cortisol was modest in both groups and no correlation between the Beck anxiety inventory and cortisol rise was found.

Conclusion: This pilot study suggests that conducting training in a realistic environment may be important. Participants who underwent realistic training successfully performed all necessary medical interventions.

Keywords: combat medicine; combat medic; simulation medicine; trauma; tactical trauma casualty care; combat stress; cortisol