Courtesy Photo | As part of a multi-national training exercise, U.S. Navy Corpsmen of the reserve and...... read more read more
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ANCON, Peru - Just as every Marine is a rifleman, every Marine must know how to administer first aid.
Recently, Marines of ten different nations joined forces in Peru to learn tactics and techniques pertaining to amphibious operations and the fundamentals to enhance peacekeeping. Part of the exercise included classes instructed by U.S. Navy Corpsmen and medics from partner nations in regards to field-expedient first aid.
The class was a mix of class room discussion and hands-on practical training to include methods to stop bleeding, immobilize broken limbs and move casualties using creative techniques and even trash.
Marines of the multinational exercise learned how to assist wounded victims using common everyday items found in and around the battlefield like tape, plastic and sticks. Corpsman, HMC Travis Neher of Jasper, Mo., said “We are trying to get them to think on their feet”.
For example, in the splint making class the students reviewed and practiced common methods to immobilize broken arms or legs using two sticks. Neher did not stop there. He opened their minds to new ideas. “Sometimes sticks are not available, so you must find alternatives”, said Neher.
He showed them how to make anatomical splints, simply wrapping the victim’s two legs together as a form to immobilize the broken one in case sticks were not available. Neher challenged them to think creatively and during the practical application of the skills, some of the Brazilian Marines had a good idea of wrapping the victim’s rifle around his leg to immobilize it.
The class also covered how to administer aid to victims suffering from a sucking chest wound, or bullet to the lung, by securing a piece of plastic from an MRE (Meal Ready to Eat) wrapper over the hole to temporarily seal the hole.
Another important first aid procedure taught was the proper way to move the injured on and off stretchers. The class also discussed field-expedient ways to transport injured Marines. Two Marines from Argentina came up with a unique idea to use two rifles and the upper portion of the victims uniform to create a functional stretcher.
Tourniquets were also stressed as important first aid procedures to stop arterial bleeding. Due to the severity of injuries occurring from IED's (Improvised Explosive Devices) and limb loss, the need to know how to apply a tourniquet is paramount.
Regimental Surgeon, Navy Capt. John Dawson, of Columbiana, Ohio, said, “At one time tourniquets were frowned upon and considered one of the last alternatives to stop the bleeding, but now tourniquets should be considered as one of the first steps if the battle injury is severe”.
Neher instructed the class how to make field-expedient tourniquets using a ring from a plastic bottle cap, a stick and cloth. He also showed how to use the new CAT tourniquet (Combat Application Tourniquet) which is simple enough to be self-applied.
Ultimately these procedures and creative methods were insightful for all who participated. The multinational exercise encourages idea exchange and trains Marines in the best methods to win battles and save lives.
The U.S. Marines and Navy Corpsmen participating in the multinational exercises, Partnership of the Americas and Southern Exchange 2010, are attached to the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force 24. The ten nation exercise includes military forces from the U.S., Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay.
| Date Taken: | 07.16.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 07.17.2010 01:02 |
| Story ID: | 52951 |
| Location: | ANCON, PE |
| Web Views: | 265 |
| Downloads: | 177 |
This work, Corpsmen teach Marines of ten nations how to save lives with battlefield trash, by LT Peter Walz, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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