What publications can I use for research to make sure I have everything I need to run a BAS while deployed?

MSG (Join to see) you should reach out via global to Major Matthew Tillman. He was a very experienced MEDO in the 101st. He was also a C Co Commander that was resupplying BASs in Afghanistan, OC at NTC, platform time in San Antonio. If he can't help you, then he knows who can. He is one of the smartest medical guys I know.

She may be unavailable right now, but LTC Amy Jackson was our PA. She has seen it all. Trauma, expeditionary surgery etc. she's forgotten more about aid stations than any ten of us will ever know.

You need to look hard at the condition, expiration dates, and stocking of your MES. That would be he first thing MAJ Tillman would have shown up on my doorstep, looking for money to accomplish.

SGT Szabo, I do not have specific publications to help you. However, I do have personal experience as a BAS NCOIC that I would like to share. Important things to consider before running a BAS on deployment:

1. TRAIN, TRAIN, TRAIN: I cannot stress this enough. I am not sure what type of unit you are currently in. I'm currently in a Medical Company (Area Support). You would think that a medical company would do extensive medical training, right? Nope. We are constantly tasked for non-medical gigs. As an Health Care NCO, I utilize the free time we do have to conduct medical training with my Joe's to keep them fresh. It also allows me to stay on top of my medical knowledge. You will be doing a lot of clinical care in the BAS so start focusing on writing up SOAP notes, performing examinations (i.e. musculoskeletal injuries, MACE, neuro, abdominal, etc.), using equipment, and medication dosages/effects/contraindications. You will have time to train more while on deployment (as you should be to stay fresh), but it is best to come in well-prepared. Ensure their BLS and Table VIII's aren't going to expire while in theater.

2. LEFT-SEAT-RIGHT-SEAT: Get in contact with the unit you will be replacing ASAP. If they were smart they would have already contacted your unit. I was able to start communicating with the person I was replacing at least a month in advance. Discuss what level of care you will be taking over (Role 1, 2, or 3. Role 4's aren't located in theater [i.e. LRMC]). Once you find out what level of care you will be providing, then research what capabilities you will have. Ask the current unit what they have there and what they wish they had. See what you can do to improve your foxhole. For instance, the guys I replaced struggled with re-supply. There was a disconnect with the MEDLOG. The Role 1 did not have a MEDLOG or DODAC in their location. As a result, supplies took months to arrive after an order was placed. Supply was one of the first issues we improved once we arrived on site.

3. LEVEL OF CARE: Figure out what type of MTF you will be running. Then learn its capabilities. Role 1's are usually your basic sick call and lowest level of care. If the injuries/illnesses sustained are much greater then they would be transferred to a higher Role depending on what they need done (i.e. CT scan, X-rays, Ortho, dental, surgery [FST vs. ICU vs. Role 4 MTF]. There are plenty of information you can search online in regards to the responsibilities of each Role's level of care and capabilities.

4. MEDICAL EVACUATION: I cannot stress this section enough. The military transitioned from ground to air EVAC a long time ago. There was too much risk in evacuating casualties via ground due to IEDs and enemy contact. You will rarely ever see a ground EVAC (it's a bad day if they have to result to this). Most locations will have their own Dustoff asset. Start reviewing the 9-Line MEDEVAC Request. You do not need to know it by heart but make sure you and your team are well versed in sending up a request. The team you will be replacing should have an SOP on how they request/send up a MEDEVAC Request. Once you find out the location of your BAS, become very familiarized with where all of the MTF's are located, which is closest, their levels of care/capabilities, which locations have a Dustoff asset, and what systems they use to call in a 9-Line.

5. Lastly, the most important advice I can give you is BE SMART, BE SAFE, BE ADAPTIVE, AND TAKE CARE OF YOUR SOLDIERS. Good luck SGT Szabo!

The foundation documents should be in the BN TAC SOP. You can backwards plan based on your scope of practice found in http://www.ncosupport.com/files/stp8_68w13.pdf. This dictates your formulary, as well once you hit theatre the supporting MED log will have a on the shelf supply list. There are things we want through a ton of that I hadn’t planned on. Such as hypothermia prevention kits as found in a WALK for PT packaging prior to medivac. The remainder will be METTC-C dependent.