Afghan security forces learn vital first aid techniques through Afghan First Responder class

COMBAT OUTPOST SENJARAY, AFGHANISTAN

10.12.2011

Story by Capt. Kevin Sandell 

3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division

ZHARAY DISTRICT, KANDAHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Traumatic battlefield injuries like massive bleeding are a leading cause of death among war wounded. For Afghan security forces in eastern Zharay district, learning to apply tourniquets and control hemorrhages is a vital skill that both Afghan army soldiers and Afghan policemen learned during Afghan First Responder training held at Combat Outpost Senjaray.

The tourniquet class was the second day of a seven-day medical class that teaches basic first aid and casualty evacuation, known as Tactical Combat Casualty Care. During the class, the Afghan security personnel learned how to apply tourniquets, both factory-made and improvised dressings, as well as transitioning tourniquets in a combat situation.

Tactical Combat Casualty Care is a series of basic first aid procedures that are taught to soldiers to certify them as first responders. While soldiers are awaiting the arrival of combat medics or other advanced medical care, they can treat casualties, or in a worst case scenario, themselves.

Soldiers with Combined Task Force Spartan’s 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment oversaw the training for the Afghan soldiers and police officers, and said the program was well-received by the students.

“They all understood the importance of these skills as it pertains to combat,” said leaders from the 2-87 Infantry Battalion. “Afghan National Army (soldiers) and Afghan National Policemen are working together to learn the medical skills that will help them teach their own forces in the future.”

The graduation for the Afghan First Responder class is scheduled for October 14 in eastern Zharay district.

• Date Taken: 10.12.2011
• Date Posted: 10.15.2011 02:47
• Story ID: 78519
• Location: COMBAT OUTPOST SENJARAY, AF