1-8 medics, Navy Corpsmen bring combat lifesaver training to Romanian cadets

Photo By Capt. Scott Walters | Sgt. Jaquan Henry (right), a combat medic with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, speaks with Romanian naval cadets following a two-day combat lifesaver course at the Constanta Naval Academy, Constanta, Romania, March 13, 2017. In addition to 1st Bn. combat medics, the course was taught by U.S. Navy Corpsmen and medics from U.S. Army Civil Affairs Team 8331 as an opportunity to share field-expedient medical techniques with future Romanian Defense Force leaders. (U.S. Army photo by 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs, 4th Infantry Division)  

CONSTANTA, ROMANIA

03.16.2017

Courtesy Story

3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

By 1st Lt. Samuel Jolley
3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, Public Affairs, 4th Infantry Division

CONSTANTA, Romania – U.S. Army medics and Navy Corpsmen teamed up to share their first-aid knowledge with 45 cadets at the Romanian Constanta Naval Academy during a two-day combat lifesaver course on March 12-13.

The class focused on field-expedient life-saving techniques like tourniquet application, gunshot wound treatment and battlefield improvisation techniques.

“This was a great opportunity for me, the students and really all those involved,” said Sgt. Jaquan Henry, a combat medic with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. “The skills we taught aren’t just applied in combat situations but are also used in everyday injuries or in the event of an emergency.”

The block of instruction prepared cadets to treat casualties in the city, at sea, and abroad. Each student received hands-on training on the functionality of first-aid equipment.

The venture was a result of cooperation between the Marines, a U.S. Army civil affairs team in the region, and 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Regt., which currently is training with Romanian Defense Forces in an effort to improve interoperability among NATO allies as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve.

“In addition to supplying the training aids, the Corpsmen brought their expertise while Army medics taught the lecture portion of the class,” said Sgt. Mitchell Stevens, a team medic for U.S. Army Civil Affairs Team 8331. “It was great to see the combined experience of medics and Corpsmen during the lectures and hands-on training.”

Henry also provided instruction on improvised techniques that every student could use in any type of situation.

“During the training I told the students that although a tourniquet is preferable, you can also utilize a belt, a shirt or even a stick and piece of cloth,” said Henry. “I emphasized the importance of maintaining pressure and stopping bleeding. This type of improvised training that is most valuable in any situation can lead to saving someone’s life.”

The training objective ensured the second- and third-year cadets maintain basic life-saving skills that can allow them to step up as leaders in an emergency.

“We are so happy the U.S. military is visiting our academy and providing an important opportunity for cadets to work with Americans,” said Capt. Octavian Tarabuta, superintendent of the Academy. “This is a vital relationship and we hope to continue to build.”

2nd Lt. Rachael Bassett, the 1st Bn. medical officer who helped organize the event, is a strong advocate for community and bilateral training.

“I am so incredibly lucky to have such knowledgeable and helpful leaders and Soldiers,” said Bassett. “Our involvement with Romanian military and civilian communities is paramount to the success of Operation Atlantic Resolve.”

Atlantic Resolve is a demonstration of the Army’s commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The 3/4 ABCT is the first of the continuous “heel-to-toe” armored rotations providing a persistent presence throughout eastern Europe to serve as a deterrent to acts of aggression against NATO allies.

The Corpsmen are part of the Black Sea Rotational Force, an annual multilateral security cooperation activity between the U.S. Marine Corps and partner nations in the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions, designed to enhance participants’ collective professional military capacity, promote regional stability and build enduring relationships with partner nations.

• Date Taken: 03.16.2017
• Date Posted: 03.21.2017 12:22
• Story ID: 227552
• Location: CONSTANTA, RO