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CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - They ran with a purpose, eyes trained on
three figures lying in the grass. The group splits into three, each
rushing to a mannequin set up to resemble a Marine struck by an
improvised explosive device. The first Marine reaches his mannequin,
dropping to his knees and steadily searching the body, checking his
breathing and as his hand reaches into the folds of his uniform he
feels wetness and draws it back to find the palm stained a bright
red.
Acting fast, he opens the uniform fully to expose the
bullet wound leaking artificial blood. Reaching into his pack he
retrieves gauze and bandages, plugging the wound and securing the
bandage in order to stop the blood loss.
Marines with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment participated in a
Combat Trauma Care Course at the Division Combat Skills Center
aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 20-24, 2015.
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Pfc. Kevin J. Oronaponce, a rifleman with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, applies a tourniquet to a mannequin during the final test for the Combat Trauma Care Course aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 24, 2015. The mannequins were equipped with a system that allows artificial blood to bleed from various wounds and recorded voices to talk, providing a more realistic experience. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. David N. Herse)
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During the week-long course, Navy corpsmen working with
the DCSC went over the basics of providing immediate
treatment for battlefield wounds. Mornings were spent
reviewing the information in a classroom, and during the
afternoon the Marines practiced on mannequins to better
familiarize themselves with the steps and procedures needed
to treat various wounds often seen on the battlefield.
On April 24, a test was held using mannequins equipped
with a system that allows artificial blood to bleed from
various wounds and recorded voices to talk back to the first
responder. Petty Officer 3rd Class Terrance Little, a
corpsman with the DCSC, said that using the mannequins
provided a more realistic experience for the Marines.
“The mannequins add an extra stressor that is close to
what the Marines will experience in the field,” said Little.
“While training as a corpsman, I was always told the enemy
will focus on the guy in charge and the medic first. These
Marines having this training will mean there is a greater
chance of them all coming back home safely.”
The
test required the Marines to run the length of a softball
field and reach one of the three mannequins. Under the watch
of the instructors, the Marines treated the individual
wounds on each of the bodies before calling in for
evacuation and preparing them for transport. Common wounds
they encountered were bullet wounds, amputated limbs, lower
intestines protruding from the lower ribcage and damage to
the face.
A corpsman accompanied each of the Marines,
providing helpful instructions and making note of areas for
improvement. After the simulated evacuation, the Marines
waiting to take their test reset the mannequins while the
three participants received critiques on where they went
right and places they could improve. In order to pass, the
Marines needed to display all the techniques they learned
over the week in time for the evacuation.
“The
students greatly performed the techniques they were taught
during the course,” said Petty Officer 1st Class David
Baumbach, a corpsman with the DCSC. “All the Marines passed,
and the course was a complete success.”
Pfc. Brian
Walsh, a mortarman with Weapons Company, 2nd Bn., 2nd
Marines, said that it was a good chance for the students to
practice life-saving techniques they may have to use in the
future.
“It's a better opportunity for us to come out
here and actually use the techniques we've been trained to
do,” said Walsh. “I think one of the most important aspects
of being a Marine is being able to save your brother.”
By U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. David N. Herse
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2015
The U.S. Marines
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