What is the Combat Lifesaving Course like?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 17:42:42 -0400

What do you learn and how difficult is it really

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2019 5:52 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 17:52:30 -0400

Start with this link. One thing you won't learn is IV's. You will learn chest decompression and Nasal Pharyngeal Tube insertion, plus all kinds of other emergency life saving steps.

https://www.army.mil/article/130979/combat_lifesaver_course_trains_soldiers_to_save_lives_on_off_battlefield

Combat Lifesaver Course trains Soldiers to save lives on, off battlefield

Fort Huachuca, Arizona - In the event of an emergency, Army combat medics play a critical role by applying first aid and trauma care to wounded Soldiers, but in some situations the first person to assist isn't always a certified medic.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2019 11:31 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 23:31:56 -0400

Depends where you go. I went to the Mystic in Fort McCoy and we learned quite a few different things. Honestly it wasn't hard but this question and answer is truly subjective. I love math and science and medical stuff. This course worked well for me.

Topics include use of nasopharyngeal tube, needle chest decompression, calculating surface area damage/burn over the body, how to apply a tourniquet, exfil a casualty, reporting a 9-line, etc.

Response by SFC Michael D. made Sep 13 at 2019 8:30 AM

SFC Michael D. — Fri, 13 Sep 2019 08:30:20 -0400

I used to teach this course. You learn basic life saving skills. Bandaging, splinting, airway management. How to set up and IV so that it's ready for the medic after he/she does the stick. You won't become a medic but you'll be able to recognize what kind and where wounds/injuries are so that you can brief the medic on what you've done and what still needs to be done. Combat Life Savers are of great value on the battle field. Especially if your medic becomes woulded or injured. Work within your scope of taught knowledge. Don't be out there trying to perform open heart surgery.