HERSHEY, Pa. — Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center has been designated as the third National Guard Training Center in the United States, and the only program on the East Coast, offering specialized trauma and deployment skills training through the Hershey Trauma, Readiness, Education and Training Program.
Designed to prepare National Guard members for deployment by immersing them in real-world medical scenarios, the program enhances their ability to provide critical care under pressure. Participants will train alongside staff in Milton S. Hershey Medical Center’s Level 1 Trauma Center, gaining hands-on experience in advanced medical techniques and procedures.
“We are honored to play a role in equipping National Guard members with the skills they need to respond effectively in emergencies and combat zones,” said Don McKenna, president of Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. “Our expertise in trauma care, combined with a shared commitment to community service, makes this partnership a perfect fit to support the readiness and effectiveness of the National Guard.”
The first cohort begins on Jan. 27 with three participants and will conclude on Feb. 7. Classes are open to National Guard members nationwide serving as medics or nurses and can accommodate up to 10 participants. The two-week course includes rotations in clinical trauma, surgical intensive care, neurological intensive care, and emergency medical services through Penn State Health Life Lion and concludes with a capstone mass casualty simulation event.
“Trauma training is a critical part of ensuring the readiness of military medical providers for combat casualty care,” said Maj. Gen. Lisa Hou, director, Office of the Joint Surgeon General, National Guard Bureau. “We are excited to expand the opportunities for our National Guard providers to participate in premier trauma training at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, the only Level 1 trauma center for both children and adults in Pennsylvania.”