Combat Medic Archive

I am new to CM thanks to the Respec. Really enjoying it but felt I had no protection from ranged/melee. I am Master Smuggler as well and seem to be losing health very rapidly and am spending as much tim ehealing myself as I am others in heavy fights. Am I doing something wrong?

Also can anyone tell me the best poisons/specials to use as I have only done limited testing. I did notice they seem to be stackable....

And is it worth buying the BE made stuff? I didn't realise I didn't have to till today....