Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol Medic - LRRP Medic

COURSE BACKGROUND AND HISTORY

The first ever group to be formed to provide Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol (LRRP) was the British Long Range Desert Group, made famous by its co-operation with the Special Air Service Regiment. In the mid to late 1960s, the U.S. Army Special Forces trained volunteer LRRP's for the purpose of locating enemy units in guerrilla warfare.  By the beginning of February 1969, all LRRPs were folded into the newly-formed 75th Rangers, bringing back operational Ranger units. The U.S.  Army had disbanded Ranger units after Korea, but kept Ranger school, on the theory that spreading Ranger School graduates throughout the Army would improve overall performance.  The LRRP operated on reconnaissance and combat patrols, either obtaining highly vital intelligence, or performing highly dangerous raids and ambushes.



The British Commandos were formed during the Second World War in June 1940, following a request from the British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, for a force that could carry out raids against German-occupied Europe. Initially drawn from within the British Army from soldiers who volunteered for special service, the Commandos' ranks would eventually be filled by members of all branches of the United Kingdom's armed forces and a number of foreign volunteers from German-occupied countries.  These men were the first volunteer specialists to operate on a reconnaissance basis in forward positions and deep behind enemy lines.  These commandos were relentless and performed many successful hit and run raids against the enemy.  The training undertaken by these volunteers was fierce and the candidates engaging on this course were pushed to their mental and physical limits.  The training was carried out at the home of the commandos in Spean Bridge in the north of Scotland at a location known as Achnacarry.  



We have been prospecting for a suitable location to conduct our LRRPs courses and we can think of nowhere more fitting than where it all began at the home of the special forces as we know it.  Present day British Royal Marine Commandos, Parachute Regiment, Special Air Service, and Special Boat Service trace their origins to the original Commandos. The Second World War Commando legacy also extends to mainland Europe and the United States: the French Naval commandos, Dutch Korps Commandotroepen and Belgian Paracommando Brigade.  The United States Army Rangers initially were all trained at Spean Bridge at Achnacarry and influenced them to open their own school in the USA.  



This course has been primarily constructed and designed so that highly fit and motivated prospective tactical medics can bolt on to SF units or PSD attachments operating in extreme conditions.  These operators after completing the LRRP medic course will have the key core competencies to facilitate on any mission in any theatre.  Traditionally medics have been viewed as only “medics”.  Modern warfare however, and recent conflict has identified the need for advanced tactical combat care in advanced positions for operations and objectives to be successful.  Tactical medics in modern warfare have to be versatile as well as fully combattant ready.



All parts / subjects must be attended in full by all candidates taking part.  The LRRP's course definitively is about a body of men operating and working together as a cohesive team which is why all subjects must be attended and no-cross mapping of any prior learning/qualifications will be taken into consideration.  The following subjects / qualifications are covered within this intensive course :



IHCD FPOS-I - wilderness first aid

The purpose of the First Person on the Scene (FPOS) / FAW qualification is to provide immediate life support to the patient pending the arrival of definitive pre-Hospital care.  Effective interventions have been shown to make a difference to survival outcomes and this is reflected in the course syllabus.  This is the initial starting point for the entire course and everything thereafter will develop from this basic grounding.  This is the initial point where the candidates begin to bond.



Infection Control

The Level 2 National Award in Infection Control is aimed at anyone needing to develop the underpinning knowledge of how to control the spread of infection.  This includes giving an increased understanding of the causes of infections, the conditions in which they thrive and the ways that they can be spread. It also covers suitable methods of cleaning and waste disposal that help prevent the spread of infection, along with the personal protective equipment they can use for their own safety.



Ropes - top and bottom ropes

This part of the course is suitable for candidates with any level of experience - from those who have a little knowledge of high ropes to those who have been working on high ropes courses for years. It provides the the latest techniques in high ropes activities and compliance with best practice.



Navigation - National Navigation Award Scheme - NNAS bronze/silver award

​Bronze NNAS Award – navigation in the countryside using paths tracks and other linear features, basic map interpretation and compass work is included / Silver NNAS Award – navigation in the countryside using skills acquired at bronze level and adding skills required to navigate to features and places some distance from paths and tracks, accurate compass work is required and an ability to use appropriate navigational techniques to go across country in some cases, eg. choosing an appropriate attack point.   

 

EMT-B - FPOS-E - suturing module

The Basic Emergency Medical Technician course provides participants with the essential knowledge and skills required to provide ambulance based emergency care in the areas of emergency, urgent and scheduled care.  This part of the course presents participants with the opportunity to further extend their skills and knowledge to competently deliver an enhanced level of care to the sick and injured, concentrating on the "Suturing" module.

 

Full Survival - beginner / advanced

The full Survival Course takes you from the beginning all the way to developing advanced skills and knowledge. This course, suitable for the beginner and the more experienced alike, allows time to develop and practice all the techniques necessary for extended wilderness survival, including different shelter types, bush craft skills, survival and expedition camp-craft, weaning away from using outdoor gear and equipment as the course progresses and providing the knowledge and skills necessary for living safely, confidently, comfortably and independently in the wilds.



5 day Hot Zone Acclimatisation Training

This phase of training is conducted and instructed in North Africa where candidates will be introduced to pack training in the extreme hostile heat which will be consistent with what an operative can expect to be exposed to in today's austere environments.  It is prudent to mention that this is of no way an attempt to break the candidate but is an essential tool in introducing or reestablishing experiences which will serve operatives well whilst serving in such conditions where temperatures can rise to 40 and above.  This training will be carried out at Ksar Tafnidilt (The Fort), famous for the Bear Grylls "Escape to the Legion".  Our Project Director, Rich Sutter will be lending his vast experience of this particular terrain and was one of the DS from the French Foreign Legion seconded in to deliver this particular programme for Bear Grylls.

































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Basic Life Support - BLS / ACLS depending on existing qualification level

This part of the course combines Adult CPR and Paediatric CPR, providing the knowledge base required to perform CPR on all adult, child and infant cardiac arrest victims - how to assess a collapsed adult, child and infant; how to perform chest compressions and rescue breaths; how to place an adult and child in the recovery position.



Advanced Tactical Trauma - ATT

The advanced course builds upon the basic trauma life support concepts and provides a more in-depth look into trauma and advanced management.  The candidates actively participate in scenario-based, small-group discussions and witness live-action videos. This allows the learners to gain practical application whilst teaching them to think critically about how to approach traumatically injured patients.



Geriatric Education for Medical Services - GEMS

This section of the course represents the most credible and complete source of pre-hospital medical information for older adults.



Paediatric Education for Pre-hospital Professionals - PEPPS

The PEPP element of the course represents a comprehensive source of pre-hospital medical information for the emergent care of infants and children. It will teach the candidates how to better assess and manage ill or injured children.



Diving medicine - decompression

This part of the course aims at giving the candidates an understanding of conditions likely to occur whilst working as a medic on a diving or marine based expedition or detail.



Analgesia in forward positions

If you are operating in a FOB, or as part of a long range reconnaissance unit, then it would be prudent to understand the above mentioned subject.  Expeditionary maneuver warfare and the asymmetric battlefield have forced changes in the traditional methods with which we deliver analgesia and surgery to the wounded. Although in many ways similar to how we have operated on the wounded for the past half century, new advances in diagnostic and therapeutic modalities and doctrinal shifts have changed the face of the battlefield hospital. In this article, the authors discuss these changes in regard to analgesic care for surgical and pain management for wounded airmen, sailors, soldiers, and marines.



Altitude Sickness

A typical HALO exercise will require a pre-breathing period (30–45 minutes) prior to jump where the jumper breathes 100% oxygen in order to flush nitrogen from their bloodstream. Also, a HALO jumper will employ an oxygen bottle during the jump. Danger can come from medical conditions affecting the jumper. For example, cigarette smoking, alcohol and drug use (including histamine antagonists, sedatives, and analgesics), anemia, carbon monoxide, fatigue and anxiety can all lead to a jumper being more susceptible to hypoxia. In addition, problems with the oxygen bottle and during the changeover from the pre-breather to the oxygen bottle can result in the return of nitrogen to the jumper's bloodstream and, therefore, an increased likelihood of decompression sickness. Theoretically, a single breath of atmospheric air may elevate the jumpers arterial nitrogen level to dangerous levels. A jumper suffering from hypoxia may lose consciousness and therefore be unable to open his parachute. A jumper suffering from decompression sickness may die or become permanently disabled from nitrogen bubbles in the bloodstream, which causes inflammation of joints.  Another risk is from the low ambient temperatures prevalent at higher altitudes. At an altitude of 35,000 feet, the jumper faces temperatures of –45 °C (–50 °F), and can experience frostbite. However, HALO jumpers generally wear polypropylene knit undergarments and other warm clothing to prevent this.



CBRN

In an increasingly uncertain world the threat of a Chemical, Biological, Radiological or Nuclear (CBRN) event cannot be ruled out. This could be the result of an accident or terrorist incident, but irrespective of how the release happens, the effects on personnel, equipment, infrastructure, business continuity and the environment can be very similar.  Being injured as a result of a conventional incident is bad enough, however, if any chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear materials are involved, the situation becomes more complex to control.  The element of the course is designed to compliment conventional first aid treatment and covers - threat awareness: medical effects; use of the toxic hazard medical pack; life saving first aid techniques and procedures.



John Adair Leadership

If you have the ambition to operate as a LRRPS operative then you will have to understand how to act as a leader or as part of the team.  It is said that a LRRPS team is a collection of leaders.  The objectives of our leadership training course are:



• Understanding good Leadership Behaviours
• Learning the difference between Leadership and Management
• Gaining insight into your Patterns, Beliefs and Rules
• Defining Qualities and Strengths
• Determining how well you Perceive what's going on around you
• Polishing Interpersonal Skills and Communication Skills
• Learning about Commitment and How to Move Things Forward
• Making Key Decisions
• Handling Your and Other People's Stress
• Empowering, Motivating and Inspiring Others
• Leading by Example.



Major Incident Medical Management and Support - MIMMS

This element of the course deals with all aspects of dealing with a major incident.  The objectives are to understand the definition and classification of all major incidents; describe the nature and management of major incident response; learn to deliver medical support needed at all major incidents.

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Navigation - National Navigation Award Scheme - NNAS gold award / hills phase

Gold NNAS Award – navigation in the countryside using skills of the first two levels, but adding techniques and skills for dealing with complex contour features large and small.  The Gold Award is delivered as separate Gold Award Training and Gold Award Assessment courses.



Conflict Management / Handcuffing

The conflict management element of the courses will provide you with the skills necessary to resolve issues to the advantage of all parties. Conflict management training will allow be more effective in handling conflict and will lessen the negative impact of conflict. The use of handcuffs is often necessary and proper training is essential to ensure full understanding of the legal and medical implications.  

 

Surveillance Reconnaissance Level 3

This course element is designed to give the candidates the organisational skills required to plan and manage tactical surveillance reconnaissance in both rural and urban environments.  The students will also develop a keen awareness of third-party threats, possible compromises and conflict resolution management.  The following areas will be covered - explain the legal parameters that surveillance personnel have to work within; understand the concepts of surveillance reconnaissance; manage surveillance equipment and resources; plan and control reconnaissance activities, using information technology, intelligence gathering and outcomes of close target reconnaissance.



Live Firing / CQB

This phase of the course allows the DS the opportunity to assess skill fade and potential areas of enrichment with reference to CQB.  This phase focuses on basic marksmanship and an introduction to sniper training.    



4x4 Off-road Driving

Every operative who conducts his business in hostile and austere environments owes himself and any other operative around him a duty of care in the operation of a 4x4 vehicle.  This phase of the course will bring the candidate to a level that will satisfy ROSPA, BORDA or LANTRA.



Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC)  

The course covers the entire spectrum of Tactical Combat Casualty Care principles and will teach the tactical operator with medical training to perform appropriate medical care skills in hostile and austere conditions.

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Topics will include, but are not limited to:


• Wounding patterns seen in tactical operations
• Care priorities during the care under fire, tactical field care, and casualty evacuation phases
• Hemorrhage control options - tourniquets, wound packing, and Hemcon (chitosan) dressings
• Airway management positioning, airway adjuncts (nasal pharyngeal, King LT), surgical airways
• Management of penetrating chest trauma - needle decompression, occlusive dressings
• Proper use of intravenous / intraosseous access, appropriate administration of Hextend and IV fluid
• Casualty movement - manual carries, drags, evacuation with Talon II and Skedco litters
• Role of pain management and antibiotics in a tactical environment.



Final Ex

Each operative will have to complete over 100 miles with 50 pounds on his back.  This exercise will be done as follows:



Day 1 - 20 miles

Day 2 - 20 miles

Day 3 - 20 miles

Day 4 - 40 miles

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This is a pass or fail moment for the candidate.  Should they fail this phase they will only be allowed one more opportunity to attempt this part of the selection process.  Only an injury will allow the candidate back onto this phase of the selection should they fail.  If a candidate simply gives up (jack's) then not only will they fail, but they will never be allowed back to retake this phase. 



​​Target Audience

Doctors, nurses, tactical medics, combat medic technician, PSD's or anyone/civilian who wishes to attain these high standards.  There are no-prerequisites for this course and is a strictly volunteer basis only.  The key attributes that we expect from each candidate will be motivation, determination and a no-winging, no-excuse attitude.  At the DET we recognise prior experience and service and respect the sacrifices made for our respective countries whilst on tour.  We at the DET, unlike some other organisations, do not demand as a prerequisite, three tours within a hostile environment prior to engaging on our course.  This course is open to anyone and each and every individual will be afforded the same respect and attention, candidates will pass or fail this course on their own merits as with the original volunteer commandos in the second world war.  We at the DET also believe that any operative who conducts his business as a PSD operator or as an attached security detail in an austere environment will benefit hugely from participating on this course.  Research shows that these private soldiers often operate in deep remote areas and very often in isolation.  It would be prudent for such operators to attain the qualifications and experience offered by the DET.  This course will provide a benchmark for any current serving military personnel who are considering engaging on an SF selection process within their respective countries.  

Awarding Body
Medical phase is accredited by the IHCD, EDEXCEL, AAOS and AREMT.  The other phases are accredited by HABC and other relevant awarding bodies.

Certification​
On successful completion of the LRRP Medic course, the learner will receive various certifications some of which are been accredited by the AREMT.  
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Duration
The course is lasts for 47 days.  This course can be conducted as a block over 42 days for military units or can be split into two, 21 day condensed blocks to facilitate operators who cannot commit to a period of 42 days.
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​​Location​
Contact us for next available course dates.
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​Delegates
​​​​​​​​​​Minimum of 8 required to run the course.  

Price
Individual course booking - £7800 per course (+VAT)

Prices Includes basic food and accommodation, registration, examiner fees & certificates.​​