The Army’s enlisted operating-room technicians must

The Army’s enlisted operating-room technicians must anticipate the surgeon’s needs in advance to better assist the surgical team during procedures. When not assisting the surgeons, the operating room technicians at Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center (CRDAMC), Fort Hood, Texas, are preparing for each case in advance by hitting the books and reviewing previous case studies. Averaging 30 surgeries per day, CRDAMC's high-volume surgical rate not only maximizes operational resources, but also allows doctors to maintain their surgical skills. Elective surgeries like joint replacement and weight-loss bariatric procedures are ideal training opportunities that contribute to critical-care decision-making when treating wounded and injured Soldiers downrange.