Life on the Edge: Inside the High-Stakes World of an Air Force Pararescueman with CMSgt (Ret) Chad McCoy

    Get ready to experience a gripping journey to the intersection of combat and Military Medicine as we share an enriching conversation with Chad McCoy, a seasoned Air Force Pararescueman (PJ) with an astounding 17 combat deployments around the globe. Chad offers us a look at his life through a raw and authentic lens, recounting high-profile rescue missions, medical care under fire in challenging environments, and the profound journey to becoming a PJ. Buckle up and join us as we uncover the realities of combat, the complexities of military medicine, and the importance of high integrity and ethical standards in the PJ selection process. Chad's gripping tales of high-profile rescue missions and providing medical care in high-stress environments will keep you on the edge of your seat.

   We highlight Chad's unique career as a PJ where an U2 rescue mission early in his career shed light on his exceptional skills and how he could support complex missions. From deployments to the Philippines in the wake of 9/11 to the rigorous training required to join the elite 24th Special Tactics Squadron. He recounts some of his most challenging missions, including treating a Somali pirate with a hand injury during a hijacking attempt of a civilian vessel off the coast of East Africa.  Chad's riveting anecdotes provide an in-depth understanding of the diverse opportunities and experiences within the military healthcare team.  As we dig deeper, Chad unveils his most challenging missions, emphasizing the crucial role of contingency planning for medical supplies, team dynamics in providing medical care, and the ethical dilemmas that come with the territory.

   As we transition into Chad's post-military life, he enlightens us about his role as a co-founder of Firestorm Labs. We discuss his transition from military life, the importance of finding a new purpose, and the role technology plays in military operations. Chad's insights testify to his commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and his enduring legacy in military medicine. Join us for an engaging conversation that promises a rare glimpse into the life of a true war hero. Let Chad's insights into resilience, purpose, and the realities of combat inspire you.

 

Chapters:

(0:00:00) - Rescue Missions and Combat Experiences

(0:09:43) - Career in Special Tactics Squadron

(0:19:12) - Challenges and Lessons Learned in Combat

(0:29:03) - Military Medicine Pain Control and Equipment

(0:32:17) - Ethics and Challenges in Tactical Medicine

(0:42:05) - Medical Care in Challenging Environments

(0:49:23) - Military Life to New Purpose Transition

 

Chapter Summaries:

(0:00:00) - Rescue Missions and Combat Experiences (10 Minutes)

Chad McCoy, an Air Force Pararescueman (PJ) with 17 combat deployments around the globe, discusses his journey to becoming a PJ, his experiences providing medical care under fire in austere locations, and his passion for innovation and entrepreneurship in the military and civilian sectors. We also learn about the comprehensive medical training Chad went through to become a PJ and how the process has evolved since then. Tune in to learn more about Chad McCoy and gain insight into the mission, unique opportunities, and deployed experiences of the entire military healthcare team.

 

(0:09:43) - Career in Special Tactics Squadron (9 Minutes)

Chad speaks about his journey to becoming a PJ and the challenges he faced along the way. One of his formative missions was a U2 pilot rescue, and it was an experience that showed him the amazing skills he brought to the table. After 9/11, Chad was deployed to the Philippines where he performed search and rescue mission with the Filipinos. However, he decided he wanted to do more and experience combat.  He describes his pathway to joining the elite 24th Special Tactics Squadron.

 

(0:19:12) - Challenges and Lessons Learned in Combat (10 Minutes)

Chad McCoy, with 17 combat deployments, shares his experience of an intense mission where he discovers the limitations of poleless litters, where he encountered multiple casualties and had to treat and egress a soldier with a gunshot wound. He talks about the challenges of this mission and the lessons he learned from it. We discuss the utility of 360-degree evaluation usage and how it can be used to reduce the bias out of selection, and the importance of looking for people with different ways of thinking and diverse skill sets. The importance of having high integrity and ethical standards in the selection process for PJs is also discussed.

 

(0:29:03) - Military Medicine Pain Control and Equipment (3 Minutes)

Chad McCoy shares his experiences with Skedcos, pole litters, and the importance of pain control. He also sheds light on the differences between formal US training opportunities and on-the-job learning and how his personal experience with the jaws of life provided a unique perspective on the use of pain control medications following trauma.

 

(0:32:17) - Ethics and Challenges in Tactical Medicine (10 Minutes)

Chad McCoy shares his experience of a mission that challenged his skills where he had to life saving procedures for a combatant who had been shot over 20 times. He also talks about the challenges of using pain medications in a tactical environment, team dynamics when providing medical care, the ropes aspect of being a PJ, the dilemma of having to provide for both American and partner forces, and the importance of contingency planning for medical supplies. Chad also discusses the most challenging military combat task he found as a PJ.

 

(0:42:05) - Medical Care in Challenging Environments (7 Minutes)

Chad shares his experience treating a Somali pirate with a hand injury during a marine vessel hijacking. He reflects on the preparedness of PJs for prolonged field care scenarios and how he had to improvise in order to provide the best care. He also discusses the resilience of the local population and the importance of relying on training and experience to succeed in tough scenarios. He highlights the differences between US training and the local host-nation medical practice and how he used telemedicine for advice on surgical procedures.

 

(0:49:23) - Military Life to New Purpose Transition (7 Minutes)

Chad discusses his transition from the military to civilian life and his work as a co-founder of Firestorm Labs. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the loss one feels during transition and finding purpose in something different. He also explains how technology is the differentiator for military operations and how Firestorm Labs is part of the solution. Lastly, Chad reflects on his legacy in military and military medicine, expressing his gratitude for his experience and his commitment to sharing his knowledge. 

 

 

Take Home Messages:

1. Being an Air Force Pararescueman involves not only physically demanding tasks but also requires rigorous medical training and high ethical standards.
2. High-stakes rescue missions often involve providing medical care in extremely challenging and high-stress environments.
3. Transitioning from a military career to civilian life can be a difficult process, but finding new purpose and applying military skills in innovative ways can ease this transition.
4. The role of technology in military operations is critical, highlighting the need for continuous innovation and adaptation.
5. Being a war hero extends beyond the battlefield; it includes sharing experiences, knowledge, and insights to inspire and guide others.
6. Pararescuemen undergo comprehensive medical training that continues to evolve and improve over time, preparing them for the various challenges they may encounter in the field.
7. Pain control and the ethical use of medications in combat situations are vital skills for Pararescuemen.
8. Contingency planning for medical supplies is a crucial aspect of their role, often dealing with limited resources in high-pressure situations.
9. The importance of maintaining high ethical standards, integrity, and team dynamics when providing medical care in the field cannot be overstated.
10. The transition from military to civilian life often involves a search for new purpose, and entrepreneurship can provide a fulfilling path for veterans.

 

Episode Keywords:

Air Force Pararescueman, Chad McCoy, Combat Deployments, Medical Training, High-Profile Rescue Missions, Medical Care, Technology in Military Operations, Contingency Planning, Post-Military Experiences, Co-Founding Firestorm Labs, Resilience, Purpose, Combat Experiences, Special Tactics Squadron, Pain Control, Equipment, Ethics, Challenges, Tactical Medicine, Prolonged Field Care, Telemedicine, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Military Life, New Purpose Transition, Legacy in Military Medicine

Hashtags:

#wardocs #military #medicine #podcast #MilMed #MedEd #AirForceMedicine #AirForcePararescueman #CombatLife #ChadMcCoy #MilitaryMedicine #HighStakesRescue #BattlefieldStories #TransitioningToCivilianLife #FirestormLabs #SurvivingTheSkies #ResilienceInCombat

 

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