Multi-National Division-Baghdad Soldiers take high stress Combat Life Savers class

Photo By Pfc. Evan Loyd | Pfc. James Nikkels, from Pitman, N.J., an instructor of the CLS course and other Soldiers in 47th Forward Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Multi-National Division-Baghdad, run to a simulated attack while performing their final combat simulation on Camp Striker, Iraq, Nov. 28th.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

12.02.2008

Story by Pfc. Evan Loyd 

2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division

By Pfc. Evan Loyd
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Public Affairs Office

BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division-Baghdad Soldiers from 47th Forward Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, took part in a high stress Combat Life Savers Course at Camp Striker, Iraq, Nov. 28.

While the CLS course has been taught for many years now, today's course was different because this latest class had instructors try a new approach.

"We're bringing a new approach to the whole program," said Pfc. James Nikkels, from Pitman, N.J., an instructor of the CLS course and a Soldier in 47th FSB. "We're always looking for ways to improve"

While staying true to the curriculum, the instructors used the final tactical simulation to really put the pressure on their students. Since Combat Life Savers are instructed in various techniques for dealing with combat injuries, from dealing with an amputated limb to keeping an airway open, the instructors tried to simulate a combat environment as much as possible for this final simulation.

"We want Soldiers to be able to adjust to the high stress environment they might encounter," said Nikkels. "We have a few surprises in store for them."

The final exercise started with the students running approximately 100 meters in response to a structure hit by a simulated indirect fire attack. In the building they were greeted with simulated power outages and continued explosions. After finding no casualties in the first two rooms the trainees came across the impact point and found a room filled with strewn furniture. Then they saw the causalities.

"When I first saw the victims I was just kind of frozen in shock," said Spc. Enrico Arroyo, a Portland, Ore., native, from Headquarters, Headquarters Detachment, 47th FSB. "But then the adrenaline kicked in and I did what I needed to."

To get into the room, the trainees had to move an overturned couch out of the doorway. As they began moving the couch, someone noticed a hand beneath it. Other casualties were found throughout the room, with some lying across furniture and some behind.

After providing initial treatment to the casualties as they had been trained, the Soldiers prepared the three most critically wounded for an air evacuation. Then, they performed another check of the surroundings and found a survivor who was dehydrated and suffering from shock.

The exercise ended with the trainees returning to their classroom for an After Action Review. The class then critiqued both themselves and the course in whole.

"They were very observant and managed to deal with a great deal of problems we sent their way," said Nikkels. "I'm really proud of them."

"The class was really rewarding. It had been ten years since I last did a CLS course, and things have really changed. The equipment and the curriculum are all new," said Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Blankenship, from Sarasota, Fla., also of the 47th FSB. "I would recommend everyone taking a refresher, no matter how long they've been in."

• Date Taken: 12.02.2008
• Date Posted: 12.02.2008 04:50
• Story ID: 27067
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ