The first graduating class of combat soldiers who completed a new battlefield-focused paramedic course will return to their home units as senior medical responders, the IDF reported Tuesday.
The course was developed to fill the growing need for combat paramedics since the October 7 massacre and the Israel-Hamas War.
Unlike previous IDF medic courses and roles, which were restricted to individuals with premilitary training, IDF Paramedic Course 49 enrolled 30 male and female fighters who were already in active service.
“Until today, paramedic training was only for pre-enlistment candidates who went through premilitary training, basic training, and then a track after which they were assigned to various units,” said Lt. “A,” the course’s commander.
“This time, we prepared to receive male and female fighters already in regular and career service, who hold significant operational experience in a multifront war, but not necessarily a medical background,” she said.
To receive the new medical training, those interested were required to pass selection processes in various units, including the Infantry Corps, Combat Engineering Corps, Armored Corps, commando special units, the Navy, and the IAF.
‘Why am I here?’
“This is a routine that takes you to the edge throughout the entire way, and when it happens at a relatively late stage in service, it requires a great deal of resilience and willpower,” “A” said. “You need to accept the demands and the tests, and know how to commit to it fully.”
“A” discussed one of the biggest challenges faced by the trainees: the need to leave their home units and fellow soldiers, with whom they had lived closely throughout their service.
“A significant number of the trainees come from Ground Forces units, and they struggle with the reality of separating from their friends while those friends continue to fight on the front lines,” she said. “As a staff, we repeatedly posed the reflective question, ‘Why am I here?’ Ultimately, they chose to leave, and they understand that their goal is to become life-saving medics.”
“A” also highlighted what she called “the incredible advantage” brought by the diversity of participants and their experiences within the course, as they come from various units.
The trainees actively engaged in delivering content and instruction throughout the course, the IDF statement said.
“When there were lessons about combat, we simply let them lead,” “A” said. “We learned from them about the air force, the navy, and what inter-branch teamwork looks like. We practiced training in combat scenarios accompanied by battle stories, and those who experienced a real event explained how it actually feels.”
Among the course participants was Sgt. “B,” a soldier in the Kfir Infantry Brigade who fought in Gaza, the West Bank, and along the Lebanese border. His decision to join the course came unexpectedly.
“I was in operational activity in Tulkarm, accompanied by a remarkable paramedic,” he said. “During a nighttime defense, he suddenly told me, ‘I heard about a brand-new paramedic course starting for soldiers, and I think you would be a perfect fit for it.’”
“B” said he was not enthusiastic about the offer at first.
“I told him, ‘Thank you very much, but there’s no chance,’ and explained that I was about to be discharged soon, so it didn’t seem suitable to me,” he said.
The next morning, however, something changed, “B” said. He reconsidered and asked the paramedic to check if the course was still relevant. After passing the selection process, he enrolled in Course 49 without hesitation.
Upon reflection, “B” realized that his decision stemmed from a deeper desire.
“What truly motivated me was the aspiration to help my team in complex situations,” he said. “It’s easy to cause harm; it’s hard to repair, and sometimes it’s even impossible. I wanted to return to combat while having a solid understanding of medical treatment, so I could assist when necessary.”