402nd FA gains Motorcycle Accident Scene Management Course/Certification

By Sgt. 1st Class Ernesto A. Camacho, 2nd Battalion, 362nd Field Artillery Regiment, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade, Division WestNovember 5, 2013

402nd FA gains Motorcycle Accident Scene Management Course/Certification
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Staff Sgt. Andrew Mason, a noncommissioned officer with the 402nd Field Artillery Brigade, Division West, evaluates a casualty during the 402nd's Accident Scene Management Course recently at Fort Bliss, Texas. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Ernesto Camacho... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
402nd FA gains Motorcycle Accident Scene Management Course/Certification
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Colleen Vertere and Tyke Barham demonstrate the proper technique to remove a motorcycle helmet after assessing the injured victim during the four-day Accident Scene Management Course, recently, at Fort Bliss, Texas. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Ernesto C... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
402nd FA gains Motorcycle Accident Scene Management Course/Certification
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Colleen Vertere and Tyke Barham congratulate Soldiers from around Fort Bliss after completing the Accident Scene Management Course, recently, at Fort Bliss, Texas. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Ernesto Camacho, 2nd Battalion, 362nd Field Artillery Regimen... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT BLISS, Texas -- The 402nd Field Artillery Brigade conducted the first ever Motorcycle Accident Scene Management Course here recently.

The course took place over a four day period and consisted of practical scenarios, hands-on training, and a culminating training event that included simulated accident scenes that had multiple situations happening simultaneously.

"This is the first time the MASM course has ever been taught to Soldiers at Ft. Bliss and what a privilege it has been," said Jimmie Barham, certified Motorcycle Accident Scene Management/Bystander Assistance Program trainer.

Colleen Vetere, certified MASM/Bystander Assistance Program trainer, and Barham brought nearly 40 years experience as they both served as instructors.

C

ommand Sgt. Maj. Ernest Bowen, the brigade command sergeant major and brigade senior motorcycle mentor, along with other members from 402nd, 1st Armored Division, William Beaumont Army Medical Center, and the 5th Armored Brigade were in attendance. As of Sep. 8, Team Bliss had certified 30 Soldiers and leaders as Accident Scene Management responders/trainers.

During the course, Soldiers and leaders learned the importance of taking immediate action after an accident. They learned and applied actions that could save lives by taking control at the scene and by providing proper life saving measures to casualties until emergency personnel arrived.

Through the use of realistic training aids, Soldiers and leaders learned how to render life saving aid and bridge the time between the accident and emergency medical staff response. Students learned using the ABCSS acronym of trauma: open the Airway using the 'jaw thrust' maneuver; assess Breathing; check for circulation and Control the bleeding; treat and prevent Shock; as well as how to conduct Spinal immobilization.

Another technique learned during the course, was how to collect and disseminate vital information to the EMS personnel once they arrive. Students learned other techniques to treat victims by the acronym: SSAMPLE. It stands for Signs/Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, any Past medical problems, the Last food and drink the victim had, and the Events leading to the crash along with any witnesses on the scene.

The instructors emphasized the use of gloves while treating personnel and when handling possible evidence. Aside from first aid procedures on the scene, the instructors gave lessons to prevent injury during motorcycle rides.

The instructors taught motorcyclists about four types of collisions: head on collision, angular collision, ejection, and laying the motorcycle down. Students also received training on full-face helmet removal for non-breathing victims. During the course, all Soldiers receive hands-on training on assessing and treating life-threatening injuries such as head, neck, chest, abdominal, fractures and soft tissue injuries.

After the basic course of MASM was completed, all trainees moved to the advance portion of the course. Soldiers learned about the chain of survival, priorities of treatment, handling special situations, roadside medical emergencies, and assisting EMS with long boarding procedures. They went through various training scenarios, situations and evaluations to be certified as a primary instructor and/or instructor assistant, and overall as ASM Responders.

"I was amazed at the technical skills and performance of the Soldiers and leaders," said Vetere. "The instructors took away more than they taught the Soldiers and leaders of today."

Soldiers in attendance were already equipped with knowledge and experience as many of them displayed throughout the course.

"We would be honored to come back again and share the wealth of knowledge on Accident Scene Management with Team Bliss as well as see the Soldiers that were certified on Accident Scene Management teach the course to Soldiers within their units," said Barham.

At the completion of the course, Bowen, who is a motorcyclist, left the students, instructors and other riders with a few words lessons from his experience on the road.

"As riders, we can continue to learn, continue to get better, and by taking the Accident Scene Management Course we can continue to bridge and cover some of the gaps caused by accidents until proper medical help arrives," said Bowen. "By taking the Accident Scene Management Course, we were able to have members of the 402nd certified upon completion of the course as instructors that will have the ability to train Soldiers in Accident Scene Management."

"I learned a lot from the Accident Scene Management course," said Bowen. "The Accident Scene Management Course is a nationally recognized course can be beneficial to anyone involved in an accident. Graduates of the course will be able to respond and provide aid at any accident scene."

Related Links:

"Like Division West on Facebook"

"See Division West photos on Flickr"

"Visit Division West on the Web"

"Watch Division West on YouTube"