US, Thai service members polish combat lifesaving techniques

Courtesy Photo | Petty Officer 1st Class Marlon Sammy, a hospital corpsman and battle aid station leading petty officer, demonstrates the proper splinting techniques using the arm of a Royal Thai military member during a combat lifesaver class Feb. 18 in Chonburi province, Kingdom of Thailand, part of exercise Cobra Gold 2013. Sammy and the U.S. service members are part of Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Groups, III Marine Expeditionary Force. Cobra Gold, in its 32nd iteration, is a multinational exercise that promotes regional prosperity, security and cooperation among partner militaries. (U.S. Navy courtesy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Marlon Sammy/Released)  

CHONBURI PROVINCE, THAILAND

03.18.2013

Courtesy Story

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

CHONBURI PROVINCE, Kingdom of Thailand – U.S. Marines and sailors shared combat lifesaving skills with Royal Thai Marines and sailors, during an interactive demonstration in Chonburi province, Kingdom of Thailand, Feb. 17 and 18, part of exercise Cobra Gold 2013.

The U.S. Marines and corpsmen, members of Combat Logistics Regiment 3, showed the Royal Thai Marines and sailors first aid techniques commonly used by non-medical personnel in combat settings.

“The purpose of the training is to strengthen medical capabilities while fostering positive alliances with the U.S. and Royal Thai military,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Marlon Sammy, a hospital corpsman and battle aid station leading petty officer, CLR-3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Sammy and the other instructors performed a series of hands-on training scenarios followed by classroom reviews aimed to prepare the class for situations they could face.

Topics discussed during the course included the history of combat life saving, shock and intravenous therapy, hemorrhage control, management of chest injuries and needle decompression techniques.

“Seventy-five percent of extremity wounds and 14 percent of airway issues are to blame for battlefield casualties,” said Sammy.

The students separated into pairs, then practiced inserting IV needles, and were given instant feedback on their technique.

“We walked the students through the process of giving and receiving an IV and they did a great job,” said Seaman Joel Olague, a hospital corpsman and CLR-3 battle aid station instructor.

Sammy demonstrated the importance of using proper techniques by inserting an IV incorrectly into Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Davis, a hospital corpsman and CLR-3 battle aid station instructor, blocking the vein. Mistakes like this can lead to excessive blood loss.

“I chose to be the test person for the skills taught because I want each person to have a feeling of understanding why we teach this important skill,” said Davis.

Sammy corrected his mistake and inserted the IV properly.

The instructors were confident the training provided would assist students in the future.

Olague was grateful for the opportunity to train with the Thai service members and described it as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

“Patient care is my favorite reason for being a corpsman and helping others help each other is a great reward,” said Olague.

Cobra Gold, in its 32nd iteration, is a multinational exercise that promotes regional prosperity, security and cooperation among partner militaries.

• Date Taken: 03.18.2013
• Date Posted: 03.18.2013 20:19
• Story ID: 103696
• Location: CHONBURI PROVINCE, TH