Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue, N.C. -- Seven Marines with Marine Aircraft Group 14 participated in a combat lifesaver course while conducting expeditionary operations at Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue last week.
The combat lifesaver course bridges the gap between first-aid training given at recruit training and the more in-depth medical training hospital corpsmen undergo, said Petty Officer 2nd Class Tenia Jackson, the course instructor.
“The purpose of this course is to show Marines lifesaving steps to aid each other in combat in the event a corpsman is not able to assist fallen service members,” said Jackson.
During the course, the Marines learned vital techniques such as providing cardiopulmonary resuscitation, treating injuries like sucking chest wounds and applying tourniquets.
To enhance the effectiveness of the three to four-day training, several types of buddy drags are taught and executed. Students must also pass written and practical
application tests where they use the skills they learned during simulated combat situations.
After completing the course, the Marines are considered combat lifesavers and receive CPR certifications.
It is important for the Marines to complete the course because they never know when situations could arise when they might need to save a life, said Jackson.
“Not every job deploys, but it is always good to have the knowledge,” said Cpl. Stephanie Abelino, a warehouse clerk with MAG-14. “After finishing this course, I am confident that if I had to, I could save a life.”