Units from Montana and South Dakota Army National Guard participated in a combat lifesaver course hosted by Medical Command (Med. Cmd.), District of Columbia National Guard during the Golden Coyote training exercise in Rapid City, June 11.
The D.C. Med. Cmd. will host the three-day course twice during the Golden Coyote training exercise. They anticipate six different units during the course and to certify over 100 Soldiers with the combat lifesavers course certificate.
The Soldiers train in a simulated environment to equip them to perform in a deployed environment. The training they receive gives them lifesaving skills to bridge the gap between self or buddy-aid and the combat medic.
“Nothing ever goes as planned,” said Sgt. Martin Tran of the D.C. Med. Cmd. “So having the basic outline to follow and going by the training you received makes these Soldiers a battlefield asset.”
The D.C. Med. Cmd. took creative measures to provide the most realistic training possible. They use fake blood and water to simulate how difficult it could be to secure a tourniquet on the battlefield. They increased the intensity of the training by making loud, distracting noises, using water guns and water balloons to simulate incoming enemy fire.
Pfc. Brody Paris of the 190th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, Montana Army National Guard said hands-on training and the change of pace the course provided, as well as the break from the classroom, was something he looked forward to during the Golden Coyote training exercise.
“I’m going to try and retain as much as possible because this stuff is very important,” Paris said, “It was really great training and if I were to deploy this really broadened my perspective and helped a lot.”
The course includes lifesaving training on hasty tourniquet application, controlling bleeding and opening airways. Teaching these skills to stop the bleeding can increase the survival rate of combat casualties.
“I’m looking forward to providing great training that’s hands-on,” said Staff Sgt. Yvette Jones of the D.C. Med. Cmd. “this training gives Soldiers enough time to learn the skills, absorb them and put them into play.”