A Descriptive Analysis of the Execution of the Expert Field Medical Badge Competition with Mitigation Measures during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Objective: Introduction: In September 2020, the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team of the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, CO, executed an Expert Field Medical Badge (EFMB) event, unique in its implementation of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) mitigation measures. We conducted a descriptive analysis of our experience to inform future EFMB events.

Methods: We planned and resourced the EFMB competition in accordance with the Army Medical Department Center and School Pamphlet 350-10. We additionally defined adjustments to each event based upon the installation's COVID-19 Health Protection Condition (B, B+, or C) to set conditions for us to execute training regardless of shifts in the public health posture. We further implemented mitigation measures to include a 72-hour restriction of movement for all candidates and cadre prior to competition start, strict use of face coverings, and two daily temperature and symptom screenings. We recorded numbers of candidates and cadre withdrawing from the competition each day and the reasons for withdrawal.

Results: Of the 66 evaluators, 179 support personnel, and 113 candidates, 2 personnel withdrew for reasons related to COVID-19 mitigation measures. A single cadre member entered a quarantine for the development of a sore throat during the competition. One candidate withdrew after disclosing failure to comply with the 72-hour restriction of movement prior to competition start. Another candidate withdrew prior to start due to an injury sustained during land navigation. Of the remaining 111 candidates, 22 (20%) earned the EFMB. Most failures occurred due to the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT, 33) and land navigation (44).

Discussion: Our competition provides proof in principle that large-scale events to train individual skills such as EFMB are feasible in conjunction with COVID-19 public health measures. Our experience highlights the imperative of prior preparation of candidates in particular for the APFT and land navigation.