My Journey as a Combat Medic: From Desert Storm to Operation Enduring Freedom

By Patrick Thibeault

My Journey as a Combat Medic is a no-holds-barred look at the modern medic in the US Army, allowing us a glimpse at the training as a soldier and as a specialist, as well as deployment and front line duties and the impact of service on civilian life, including an honest look at PTSD, from the author’s own personal experience. Rather than a technical manual, My Journey as a Combat Medic is a detailed first hand account, concluding with a letter to new medics, providing a career’s worth of advice and knowledge as they begin their journeys.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
• Release date: Jul 24, 2012
• ISBN: 9781780965956

Patrick Thibeault

Patrick Thibeault was raised as an Army brat. Upon graduation from high school, he enlisted in the Army, becoming a paratrooper medic. The first unit that he was assigned to was 3rd Battalion / 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne). Patrick deployed to Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm back in 1990. He then joined the Kentucky Army National Guard. He graduated with his bachelor's degree in nursing in May 2003 from Marian University in Indianapolis, Indiana and started on his master's degree to become a Family Nurse Practitioner upon returning from combat in 2005. He currently works part time in a medical intensive care unit and full time in an urgent and primary care clinic as a nurse practitioner. His awards and decorations include the Combat Medical Badge, second award from both Desert Storm and Enduring Freedom, the Meritorious Service Medical from Afghanistan, and the Air Medal from Desert Storm. Patrick has also earned the Expert Field Medical Badge and the enlisted crewmember aviation wings.

Reviews for My Journey as a Combat Medic

[staciele · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Patrick Thibeault has dedicated his life to serving others both as a soldier and as a nurse practitioner. There was no doubt as I read this book, that he has a deep commitment towards the health and welfare of others. Whether the patient was on the battlefield, an enemy, someone in his barracks, or back here in the states in a hospital, they received the best care possible from Thibeault. I think this is a great book for someone who can identify with being a soldier, a medic, or someone who has been in the military. It may read a little dry for the "outsider". The author tells stories of his time both in Desert Storm and Afghanistan and shares his private thoughts and moments with the reader. This isn't the type of book that tells of the horrors of the battlefields, but at appropriate times, he does share stories of those he saved and couldn't save. Thibeault has since retired from the military and joined the civilian life as a nurse practitioner. He shares his personal struggles with PTSD and again, it reminds me of how little the military does to prepare soldiers for the return home compared to the amount of training they receive to go to war. Whether I am reading non-fiction or fiction, this seems to be a central theme. His descriptions of uncomfortable situations that he has been in will make me much more aware of those who may be suffering from PTSD that I may come across.If you know a young man or woman looking to enter the military and/or looking to be a medic, this book would be an excellent introduction to their career choice. Thibeault closes the book with a letter to any future medics with recommendations and advice from his 20 years in the service.I think this book paints an accurate picture of military life both on the battlefield and in the barracks. He doesn't hold back with his opinions of how certain things were done or not done. My favorite part of the book were the photos that he included. The photos gave the book a personal touch and brought some of his stories to life. Thibeault gives the reader an honest look inside the life of a combat medic, one that needs to be heard.