"We found that in the early years of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, nearly 90 percent of the combat deaths were attributed to the first responders -- before the medic even got to the scene -- not knowing how to properly apply a tourniquet or control bleeding," said Staff Sgt. Sherry Dixon, a health care specialist and the NCO in charge of the Kenner Army Health Clinic Education and Training section.
Kenner's CLT course teaches Soldiers how to avoid three main areas of preventable combat death: hemorrhage control, tension pneumothorax (collapsed lung) and airway compromise, said Dixon, also one of the instructors for the monthly offering.
Soldiers can sign up for the 40-hour, 4-day course to become certified, or they can attend a 1-day course to get their recertification if it's been less than a year since their last certification. The Army requires 20 percent of personnel in each unit -- team, squad and crew -- to be Combat Lifesaver certified and forward deploying units are recommended to be 100 percent certified.
Kenner ensures the Army meets the standard by offering Combat Lifesaver Training to units as needed focusing on Tactical Casualty Combat Care, or TCCC, said Dixon.
"Train as you fight, it's that simple." she said. "We hone in on the TCCC concept, implementing the steps as we advance through the combat lifesaver course. As instructors, we are the gatekeepers committed to certify the most competent, qualified combatant first responders.
"We revisit the basic tactical warfighting skills, which include the four fundamental components: shoot, move, communicate and survive," Dixon continued. "We emphasize the importance of applying a proper Combat Action Tourniquet with the use of hemostatic agents, also known as the combat gauze."
The course does more than just teach the information, said Dixon. The Soldiers all receive hands-on training with each of the course objectives.
"Practice makes perfect," said Dixon. "Lane training and simulation training enhances skills and makes it realistic as if you were in theater. How you perform and react under stress will develop you to be the best. We want the takeaway to be a challenging, realistic and informative experience."
Sgt. 1st Class Edward Velez, a platoon sergeant for Charlie Company, 262nd Quartermaster Battalion, said he took the course earlier in his career but wanted to be recertified to find out the latest life-saving techniques. He was among the students in this week's class.
"Learning about the changes -- like how and where to apply the tourniquet -- has been helpful for me," he said. "I believe everyone who is in the military should be combat lifesaver qualified because you don't know when you might need to do it."
The course helps Soldiers treat several battlefield wounds, which can help medics save more lives, because of the first aid administered before their arrival, said Sgt. Joshua Green, a combat medic and an instructor for the training.
"I have always felt great CLT is essential for military success," said Green. "Ensuring everyone is properly trained in lifesaving measures helps ensure mission success and that all Soldiers have the best opportunity to return to their families.
"Although my job is to be a medic, if I train these Soldiers to the highest standard, they could save my life just as I could save theirs," he continued. "It's important to me that whoever can be saved, will be saved. That's why it's important to teach the combat lifesaver program."
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