Guest guest Posted December 21, 2004 Report Share Posted December 21, 2004 During the Gulf War in 91 I was with a combat engineering unit in the 101st Airborne. Back then, we had what was called Combat Lifesavers. These were people given some extra training beyond the first aid skills learned in boot. One of the skills of the CL's was doing sticks for IV ( Ringers was used as I recall). Training was also done on using a J tube as a part of airway management. As for spinal immobilization, we were mostly taught pretty much what I was taught back in EMT-B school in 97. The CL's were not supposed to take the place of the Medics, but were to provide care till one could arrive, to assist as needed, or to care for wounded soldiers if a medic is tied up with more critical injuries. The Medics we did have were top notch. I'll never forget Doc Ellison (of West By God Virginia) running for a downed Blackhawk that had crashed near our FOB one night and giving aid to a soldier who had broken her back in the crash. Definitely a guy I would love to work a scene with. Now, as I said, this was back in 91, so I'm sure things have to have improved. The military is always on the lookout for ways to get the wounded treated (at the very least, poor medical care lowers morale), and most of the folks in the medical field in the military are not there for the money. As for current training, My nephew is home this week from the Navy (he's still in advanced training), and he had his training guide with him. Most of the things he learned first aid wise would be covered in a Red Cross First Aid / CPR course. They are taught how to use spine boards (as well as boards and Stokes litters, but not much practice with them), but not much else beyond the FA/CPR level. I currently work with a lady who is in the medical field (flight medic I think. She just started last week so I don't know her much yet) in the Air Guard. I'll see if I can drill her for info on current practices and such when I see her next. wegandy1938@... wrote: >I have been reading with interest the latest announcements concerning >battlefield casualties and the very impressive stats on lives saved. From what I'm >hearing, 90% of battlefield casualties are being saved, largely because of >rapid medical evaq and availability of surgery. > >This leads me to ask: What is the military doing with regard to starting >IVs and running fluids in the field? What is the military doing with PASG? >What advanced airway devices are the military using for field intubations? >What are the military rules about spinal immobilization? > >Anybody know? > >It seems to me that we ought to be watching what the military does in Iraq >very carefully, given the excellent results they are reporting. >gg > > > E.(Gene) Gandy >POB 1651 >Albany, TX 76430 >wegandy1938@... > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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