TIKRIT, Iraq, March 8, 2007 - A soldier in the front passenger seat of the Humvee screams, writhing in agony from an "injury" to his right leg caused by a roadside bomb. The driver of the vehicle struggles to reach him, crawling over equipment and leaning over the back of the injured soldier's seat, working to put a tourniquet on the wounded leg and save his life.
"Time's up! Switch partners!" an instructor yells, her voice ringing out over the screams of the "wounded."
This is no wartime scene, but a training scenario for Tactical Combat Casualty Care class at the 82nd Airborne Division Troop Medical Clinic on Contingency Operating Base Speicher.
"The (TC3) class focuses primarily on preventing the cause of loss on the battlefield, which is bleeding," said Staff Sgt. Audrey David, a medic and TC3 instructor with C Company, 82nd Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division.
"We teach soldiers about tourniquets, Israeli bandages, Hem-Con dressings, and have them practice using these materials in combat scenarios," David continued.
David and her fellow instructors teach every other Saturday, training anywhere from 15 to 30 soldiers in techniques that may save the lives of their fellow soldiers in combat situations.
"I'm glad for the opportunity to get such realistic training," said Pfc. Ariel Shane, a unit supply specialist with B Company, who took the TC3 class.
"Getting around inside the vehicles to help wounded soldiers was very hard, and made me realize that teamwork is vital in these situations. We can't do much without it," Shane said.
The four-hour block of instruction, which consists of slide presentations and practical exercises, serves as a precursor to the Combat Life Saver (CLS) class. CLS is a longer, more involved first aid training class, and teaches more advanced life-saving skills.
Many of the soldiers who participate in the TC3 class are scheduled to attend a CLS class within a few weeks.
"This (TC3) class has inspired me," said Maj. Tim Gilhool, a support operations officer with C Company. "I can't wait to take the CLS class and to learn as much as possible."
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