This testimonial about the Austere Emergency Care (AEC) course was provided to us in January, 2026, by Chip Schane, who has been a paramedic since 1992. He took the AEC course with our training partner, College of Remote and Offshore Medicine (CoROM).
As an operational medic who routinely works in austere and remote environments, I have long prioritized maintaining strong Prolonged Field Care (PFC) skills. I first learned about CoROM several years ago and had been interested in attending their Austere Emergency Care (AEC) course ever since. After many years of developing my PFC knowledge through operational experience and other training programs, I recognized that evolving best practices and emerging lessons learned had left some of my knowledge feeling outdated. I wanted to sharpen my skills and gain greater familiarity with current trends in PFC.
While attending SOMA last year, I had the opportunity to speak directly with CoROM staff about their training options. The AEC course aligned perfectly with my professional goals. Although the travel costs were higher than I would have preferred, the course was absolutely worth the investment.
The instructors were among the best I have ever trained with—highly experienced professionals who have worked in the same operational circles and alongside many of the same people I have, which added an immediate sense of credibility and familiarity. The pre-course work and didactic lectures were outstanding and reflected the most current, evidence-based information available. The hands-on training and field exercises provided realistic, immersive opportunities to reinforce skills and apply concepts in a way that truly reflects austere operational medicine.
One of the most valuable aspects of the course was its comprehensive, evidence-based approach that was not constrained by the regulatory and systemic limitations often encountered in U.S.-based training. This perspective was both eye-opening and validating, reinforcing lessons I have learned throughout my career.
This is one of the best courses I have ever taken, delivered in an incredible and beautiful location. I would strongly recommend the AEC course to anyone working in austere environments, regardless of threat level. If cost is a consideration, my advice is simple: just do it. The value far exceeds the expense, and once you experience CoROM’s training, you’ll be hooked. There are numerous additional educational opportunities available through CoROM, and I will absolutely be returning for more training in the future.
Chip Schane, EMT-P
PFC Safeguards, Las Vegas NV