FORT MONROE (TRADOC News Service, Sept. 10, 2009) -- In a fragmentary order dated Aug. 25, Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, commander of Training and Doctrine Command, called for suspension of IV training from the Combat Lifesaver Course in Initial Military Training for Soldiers, beginning Sept. 1.
The order said the task "establish a saline lock and start an intravenous infusion" is not the optimum use of combat lifesaver first-responder actions in providing immediate lifesaving aid to a combat casualty."
Officials from TRADOC say that analysis is ongoing to assess lessons learned from theater, trauma data and input from the DoD Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care.
The current CLS course training focuses on mastery of skills proven more effective in preventing loss of life such as stopping bleeding, airway control and shock prevention and treatment.
"Soldiers in the revised CLS course will focus on hemorrhage control, the use of a tourniquet for instance, and tactical casualty movement," said Col. (Dr.) Karen K. O\'Brien, the TRADOC surgeon. The revised CLS training is expected to begin Jan. 1, 2010.
Current research from Iraq and Afghanistan has shown that recent Army initiatives to teach and equip all Soldiers to use tourniquets, and apply bandages immediately after injury to control bleeding and prevent shock have saved more than 1,000 lives.
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