Abstract
IntroductionDefence Medical Services personnel regularly deploy overseas to deliver training activities as part of defence engagement (DE) to positively influence partners and others. There remains scope for medical planners to enhance our understanding of how to optimally use medical staff and assets for DE. We aimed to develop a tool to improve planning for DE activities delivering first aid training.MethodsWe used nominal group technique to conduct a focus group with UK experts in planning first aid training DE activities to identify and prioritise important planning considerations within a conceptual framework based on the Defence Lines of Development. We validated and refined this framework with international experts from partner nation militaries to help strengthen the final planning tool.ResultsWe developed a detailed tool covering training curriculum and logistical and infrastructure requirements to deliver safe and effective DE training activities. First aid training engagement priorities include being tailored to the training audience and in harmony with the national or military healthcare services of that country. Messaging around the women, peace and security agenda should be integrated into training packages at conception to be effective.ConclusionsWe propose a planning tool to aid in designing first aid training that considers the necessary components to support meaningful education and effective engagement in support of UK’s strategic goals. We welcome the use of and feedback on this tool and its impact to those planning first aid training activities as part of DE operations.
Reference39 articles.
1. Brooke-Holland L , Mills C . The 2015 strategic defence and security review – briefing paper house of commons library. Paper number 7462; 2016.
2. MoD . Joint doctrine NOTE 1/15 defence engagement Ministry of defence; 2015.
3. The military contribution to strategic health diplomacy;Horne;The RUSI Journal,2021
4. Global health diplomacy and humanitarian assistance: understanding the intentional divide between military and non-military actors
5. Keogh J . Health sector development, an expanding role for the defence medical services in defence engagement: intent matched by reality?: defence research paper. Shrivenham: JSCSC, 2016.