COB ADDER, Iraq - Members of Company C., 27th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, recently completed training at the Medical Simulation Training Center in Camp Buehring, Kuwait.
The center provides Soldiers the opportunity to refresh essential life-saving skills in a simulated combat situation by using realistic mannequins that have "suffered" wounds.
The wounds closely relate to injuries the Soldiers may encounter on the battlefield. The mannequins breathe, blink, have a pulse and even bleed until the Soldier is able to control the bleeding.
The training center further creates a combat atmosphere by integrating the sounds of gunfire and yelling in the background, forcing the Soldiers to focus on their tactical first aid skills under fire.
The instructor for the training explained that almost 400 troops have died from uncontrolled bleeding during Operation Iraqi Freedom; the average Soldier can save a life by knowing the correct placement of a tourniquet or the importance of a pressure dressing and pressure points.
"All of us are glad that we could refresh our skills as medics and learn some new techniques," said Sgt. 1st Class Sean Stephens, a medic from Perry, Mo., assigned to Co. C, 27th BSB.
The training didn't just reach medics. Soldiers from various units and job specialties trained to earn combat life saver certification.
"The sights and sounds and the realistic blood and gunfire made me feel like I was actually in combat," said Spc. Diane Beach, an X-ray technician assigned to Co. C, 27th BSB, from Sherman, Texas. "I feel much more comfortable now that I was placed in that situation."
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