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New equipment better prepares Dix Combat Life Saver Course students

  • Published
  • By David Moore
  • Army Support Activity-Dix
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Military personnel attending the Army Support Activity-Dix combat lifesaver course here recently received new equipment for training.

The new equipment will allow first responders to train on the same equipment they would use down range to save wounded warriors on the battlefield.

Twenty 847th Human Resources Company Soldiers from Fort Snelling, Minn., and one from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst's 75th Training Division, completed their combat simulated field experience Feb 22, 2013.

"We received new equipment such as a stretchers, tourniquets and other supplies from First Army so military personnel can know first-hand the equipment they train on here is exactly the same type of equipment they will have when they forward deploy," said Charles Breland, combat lifesaver lead course instructor.

Combat lifesavers are normally the first responders for injured troops on the battlefield. If these military personnel can stabilize a wounded service member, it will help soldiers keep them alive until medics can engage their treatment.

Some areas of the 40-hour block combat lifesaver training includes stabilizing a patient experiencing shock, airway blockage, bleeding out and lung collapse.

The course is open to all service branches whether or not they are slated to deploy. The Army Training Requirements and Resource System offers enrollment at https://www.atrrs.army.mil/

Students in the 40-hour course will spend three days in the classroom familiarizing themselves with treatment procedures and the equipment followed by a written exam.

The final day is spent in the field in a simulated combat environment carrying the equipment such as the combat lifesaver bag and stretchers.

The chaos of a simulated battle and wounded troops stresses the importance of proper treatment, care and patient movement while at the same time using troop leading procedures to provide security over the wounded. This gives first responders the time and space needed to save lives while under fire from an enemy.

"This gives the students a realistic training environment using the latest and greatest information and tools to be successful," said Marlum Lipsey, combat lifesaver course instructor.

Spc. Chao Vang, 847th HRC has completed the combat lifesaver course on twice and said the field experience puts everything together to be successful at treating casualties.

"It's good, because we get to use this equipment and knowing how to use it for stabilizing and moving patients is important when we deploy," said Vang.