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What's that crunching noise?
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March 2010
By Capt. Jaime Wolhar
Mar 9, 2010 - 10:00:29 AM
It was March in 2009 at Fort Indiantown Gap PA that the Soldiers of the 262nd OD Company were preparing to deploy. One of the many tasks needing to be accomplished was the certification as a Combat Lifesaver (CLS) for the Soldiers. The course was 3 long days and included everything from performing tactical Combat Casualty Care, opening and managing airways, controlling bleeding to evacuating a casualty on several different litters. The instructors covered how to fill out the field medical card and how to request medical evacuation, the 9 line. The course also included how to treat a penetrating chest trauma and decompress and tension Pneumothorax. The task that got most Soldiers anxious was the initiating a Saline Lock and Intravenous infusion, in lamens terms, start an IV.
Well, the Soldiers from the 262nd accomplished the task of getting over 130 Soldiers certified as Combat Lifesavers. Each one of the Soldiers left the training feeling more confident and ready to deploy. Fast forward to Iraq 2010. The Soldiers are well into their tour and are deeply entrenched in their missions. The Combat Lifesaver Course, they took in March of 2009, certifies a Soldier for a 12 month period. To be recertified for another 12 month period, a combat lifesaver must pass a series of recertification practical examination before his certification expires. Not all must be completed just certain performance tasks were chosen for the recertification.
One of those tasks includes how to clear an airway. "What's that crunching noise", asks Staff Sgt.Robert Maloney as a nasopharyngeal tube is inserted into his nose by Sgt. Anthony Pala. The tube is inserted to clear an airway for the casualty to breath unobstructed. It is measured, lubed, and inserted. No time for second guessing, it's completed in less than 30 seconds. "It's a real boost in your confidence as a Soldier", states Spc. Benjamin Fazio. "I learned how to insert the nasopharyngeal tube and I also understand what it feels like to be given the tube".
Cpl. Eric Wilt was especially impressed on the illustration of how to stop a femoral artery bleeding close to the groin. "They showed us a new technique that we did not learn in the first class. This training is definitely worth it. It makes me more aware of my surroundings when I am on the road."
Staff Sgt.Anthony Graciano, a member of the 262nd OD assigned to the BDE Battle Aid Station reemphasized how important it is for the Soldiers to learn the techniques of a Combat Lifesaver. "The medics get a lot of attention of their importance to the mission, but it is the CLS who are saving the lives in a trauma situation. They get there first and treat the blood loss, control the hemorrhage that's the most important step." Spc. David Thomas, one of the combat Lifesaver Instructors, also a member of the 262nd, was asked what is the most important thing the Soldiers take away from the CLS recertification class. He replied with the ability to perform three tasks. "First they must return fire until the enemy is suppressed before any aid is rendered. Second, the CLS must stop any life threatening bleeds with the Combat Application Tourniquet, (CAT tourniquet). Lastly they must be able to open and maintain the airway if a casualty is unable to breath."
As the Soldiers of the 262nd OD complete their tour in support of OIF 2009-2010 many more training requirements will be needed to be met. There will be Counter Improvised Explosive Device training along with Rules of Engagement given by the Brigade Judge Advocate General's staff. There is Crew weapons training as well as individual weapons training. Although all of these are important, it is safe to say the members of the 262nd OD have placed the Combat Lifesavers and Recertification course high on their order of merit list. As they head out on another mission on the roads of southern and central Iraq it is good to know that these Soldiers are prepared to take care of one another if the situation arises.