Engineer company trains in life-saving procedures

Photo By Sgt. Brian Johnson | Soldiers from the camp Grayling-based 1434th Engineer Company practice chest decompression techniques under the watchful eye of an instructor during their recent combat lifesaver training class.  

GRAYLING, MI, UNITED STATES

05.05.2009

Story by Sgt. Brian Johnson 

Michigan National Guard

GRAYLING, Mich. - When soldiers train and conduct missions, medical situations sometimes arise. Depending on the remoteness of their location, help could be minutes or hours away. To minimize the time that it takes for a soldier to receive medical care – and potentially save a life – the Army trains soldiers to be medical first responders, known as combat lifesavers, or CLS's in Army shorthand.

Soldiers from the Camp Grayling based 1434th Engineer Company recently took part in a combat lifesaver class during their recent annual training in May 2009.

Combat Lifesaver class includes training on a wide range of subjects, to include care under fire, how to treat a heat casualty and how to administer an IV.

Why is Combat Lifesaver training important? Instructor Sgt. Deron Woodard, of Detroit, who has been a combat medic for five years, said it all comes down to one thing, saving lives.

“This class helps up the survival chances of a casualty on the battlefield,” said Woodard. “It teaches the basics of medical care to help ensure that soldiers understand the important items to save another soldier’s life.”

Pfc. Jessie Harcourt, of Mancelona, who has previous combat lifesaver course experience said that the course went really well.

“The instructors were extremely good. They helped keep the class interesting and focused. They were willing to take the time to ensure that even the most inexperienced person was comfortable with what was being taught.”

Pvt. Calib Flory, of Newberry, said this class did a lot. “It helped take many soldiers out of their comfort zones and helped them to make good, sound decisions. The class led to really good training. Everyone was able to learn a lot and be certified by the end of the training time.”

Flory said that he would recommend the class to anyone who wants to broaden their horizons and learn something new.

• Date Taken: 05.05.2009
• Date Posted: 04.18.2015 21:49
• Story ID: 160443
• Location: GRAYLING, MI, US