Security forces get lifesaving training

  • Published
  • By Maj. David Kurle
  • 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan (AFPN) --  Security forces Airmen here train for missions beyond the scope of their traditional roles. Thanks to the U.S. Army, they now have training that may save someone’s life.

Airmen from the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron completed a 40-hour combat lifesaving course.

The Airmen learned basic skills needed to stabilize patients, including intravenous infusions, chest decompressions using a needle, relaying instructions for a medical evacuation, establishing and maintaining an airway, and stopping bleeding, said Army Staff Sgt. Edres Rhone, a combat medic with the 14th Combat Support Hospital.

“It’s a three-day course. Then on the fourth day we have combat training so these guys can put together everything we’ve taught them,” Sergeant Rhone said.

The combat training consisted of security forces Airmen and Sailors clearing buildings in a mock Afghan village, fighting "enemy forces" and then treating one of their own for simulated combat injuries.

“There’s nothing like coming out here and actually training and beefing up your proficiency levels,” said Tech. Sgt. Edward Nin, the 455th ESFS NCO in charge of training, deployed here from Beale Air Force Base, Calif. “We need to learn these procedures to maximize the survival for that wounded individual.”

“I’ve had first aid and CPR training, but never anything as detailed as this,” said Tech. Sgt. Robert Taverna, a reservist deployed here from McGuire AFB, N.J. “A lot of times you don’t know how much you’ve actually retained or how much you’ve learned until you’re put in that situation.”

Sergeant Taverna is used to being the first person at the scene of an injury. In his civilian job he is a New York City police officer.

“Here, it’s the same thing,” he said. “We have to be the ones to get someone to a medic or a hospital.”

In Operation Enduring Freedom, Airmen often find themselves working alongside Soldiers and Sailors, so conducting the combat lifesaver training in a joint environment just made sense, Sergeant Nin said.

“We’re actually fighting together, so why not train together?” he said. “Right now, we’re looking for synergy between the different branches of the services.”

For Sergeant Rhone, training Airmen and Sailors how to save lives in combat makes it easier for him and his fellow combat medics to save the life of someone wounded in combat.

“With more combat lifesavers out there, we’re actually increasing the chances for the warfighters,” he said. “This training raises a patient’s chances of actually surviving (after) being wounded in combat.”