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Airmen, Soldiers work together to save lives

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jarrod R. Chavana
  • U.S. Air Forces Central Public Affairs
BAGHDAD (AFNS) --  Air Force and Army personnel from U.S. Forces-Iraq Deputy Commanding General-Advising and Training Health Affairs work together to train participants on how to save lives in combat, here. 

Master Sgt. Krystal Marks and Army Sgt. Donell Hughes, both medical training advisers, teach a hands-on combat lifesaver course that draws students from both military and civilian organizations.

While their primary mission in Iraq is to train and equip the Iraqi security forces medical healthcare systems, their experience and knowledge is used to teach and give hands-on training to others who are deployed in theater.

"We are all in this together; no service goes to war alone," Sergeant Marks said. "The way combat has evolved we have to be able to talk to each other and convey the same ideas. If everyone is taught the same way to save people, then it brings us together."

Combat lifesaver training is a three-day, hands-on course that teaches participants how to apply tourniquets, stop bleeding and stabilize the injured until they can be cared for by professionals.

"With anything we do in the military, you have to put your hands on it and you have to do it," said Marine Capt. Randall Smith, a Government of Iraq plans and policy adviser from the 7th Communications Battalion, who is a student in the course. "If you have done it before, you don't have to think about it."

"We train Iraqi army, Iraqi police, DOD civilians, contractors and all branches of military," Sergeant Hughes said. "We don't teach our students to be combat medics; they are trained to stabilize the patient and call in (for help), so medical personnel know what to expect and how to care for them." 
 
If someone recognizes a life threatening wound, knows the signs and symptoms and can apply the skills taught here, then deaths can be prevented, Sergeant Marks said.

At the end of the course, the students have a test in which they have to score a minimum of 80 percent to pass, Sergeant Hughes said. In addition to the test, they must be able to insert an intravenous needle to successfully complete the training.

With the sister services working together to teach lifesaving techniques, they ensure people receive the same training and are better equipped to administer combat lifesaving skills.