Affiliations: Occupational Therapy Branch, Department of Medical
Sciences, U.S. Army Medical Department Center and School, Fort Sam Houston, San
Antonio, TX 78234, USA | 528th Medical Detachment (Combat Stress Control), Fort
Bragg, NC 27330, USA
Abstract: The purpose of this article is to describe the training of military
occupational therapy personnel in a unique application of their professional
skills. Ergonomic principles of training for stressful environments were
implemented to ensure training effectiveness and transfer of skills to combat
situations. Training schedules, casualty role-play scenarios, critical incident
stress debriefing principles and scenarios, unit survey guidelines, and
premises for training persons to function under stressful conditions are
provided. Comparisons with civilian applications are drawn, and suggestions for
future roles and training for Occupational Therapy professionals are given.
Keywords: stress management, combat fatigue, battle fatigue, human performance, training
