The fully trained combat medical technician or CMT is capable of:
assisting with the management of
surgical,
medical and
psychiatriccasualties from the onset of the condition until the casualty is admitted to a
hospital offering specialist care. This capacity is to include the immediate necessary
first aid and other sustaining procedures required to hold a casualty for a limited period in a non-hospital situation.
undertaking the administrative procedures and documentation for casualties in field units, medical reception stations and unit medical centres, including those required for and during casualty
Has a general understanding of
medical terminology and is capable of carrying out first aid in an emergency situation until expert medical assistance is available
Works under supervision to provide assistance to medical officers in field units and medical reception stations.
Assists in setting up field medical units and is trained in medical fieldcraft including the use of radio equipment, navigation by foot or vehicle across country and field
medical equipment
Maintains, or supervises the maintenance of, and indents for medical equipment
Trains junior medical assistants
Additionally, at Class 1 the CMT is trained in the procedures and principles of Battlefield Advanced Trauma Life Support (BATLS), which includes
advanced life support,
cricothyrotomy and
thoracentesis.
Further progression by rank
At the rank of
corporal, the combat medical technician also supervises and controls medical assistants working in medical unit departments, such as medical section 2 i/c in a close support (CS) medical regiment.
At the rank of
sergeant or
staff sergeant, the combat medical technician takes charge of a department, accounting for equipment and carrying out the administrative duties for soldiers within the department, medical section commander in a close support (CS) medical regiment or a role 2 medical treatment facility within a general support (GS) medical regiment.
At the rank of
warrant officer, the combat medical technician supervises a number of departments, and maintains discipline and morale within those departments, providing for the efficiency and effectiveness of the unit.