Nellis Medical Staff Train at University Medical Center
Military teams treat trauma cases in the valley to prepare for future combat deployments.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Military Jobs
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Medical personnel from Nellis Air Force Base are embedding at University Medical Center to sharpen their skills for combat zones. The partnership allows military teams to manage high-acuity trauma cases like gunshot and burn injuries at the valley's Level 1 Trauma Center.
Why it matters
The program addresses a critical training need for Nellis staff to handle combat-related injuries, while also providing support to University Medical Center as the hospital navigates ongoing shortages of clinical staff and training capacity.
On any given day, 75 to 100 Nellis medical personnel work alongside civilian staff at University Medical Center. These teams provide care for patients during transport at altitudes up to 30,000 feet, addressing injuries similar to those seen in combat zones.
The players
Nellis Air Force Base
The local installation serving as the home base for medical staff members rotating through the hospital.
University Medical Center
The valley's Level 1 Trauma Center hosting the military-civilian medical partnership.
Col. Dallas Hansen
A military medical professional who conducted combat medical missions in 2018.
Dr. Rosas
A medical professional who deployed to the Middle East during the 2025-2026 winter season.
SSgt. Byrd
A staff sergeant who deployed to the Middle East during the 2025-2026 winter season.
The details
Military teams participate in rotations at University Medical Center to practice emergency procedures, specifically targeting uncontrolled hemorrhage, which remains the leading cause of preventable wartime death. By managing real-world trauma cases in the valley, these professionals prepare to operate Critical Care Air Transport teams that sustain injured service members during flights. The collaboration utilizes civilian medical volume to bridge the training gap for military personnel who must maintain readiness for overseas deployments.
Timeline
2018: Col. Dallas Hansen flew medical missions in Afghanistan.
Winter 2025-2026: Dr. Rosas and SSgt. Byrd deployed to Middle East zones.
Beyond the Strip
This program continues the valley's long-standing role as the hub for the largest military-civilian medical partnership in the nation. It reinforces a training model that integrates local trauma care experience with the requirements of overseas military medical deployments.
Patients at University Medical Center will continue to receive care from military medical teams integrated into the hospital's daily operations. This partnership remains active, supporting the facility's trauma capacity as staff rotations continue throughout the year.
The takeaway
The partnership highlights the valley's critical role in preparing the U.S. military for medical challenges in high-altitude and combat environments. Keep an eye on how these training programs evolve as University Medical Center continues to manage the region's trauma demands.
Further reading
For more on how local clinical rotations support regional workforce readiness, visit Military Jobs.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fox5vegas.
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