0% found this document useful (0 votes)
16 views2 pages

Combat Lifesavers Class Training Update

Uploaded by

Ceasar Estrada
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
0% found this document useful (0 votes)
16 views2 pages

Combat Lifesavers Class Training Update

Uploaded by

Ceasar Estrada
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Always ready: Soldiers participate in Combat Lifesavers Class

By Sgt. Rigo Cisneros 211th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. –

As the U.S. military’s role changes and adapts so must its servicemen and woman. Some of that change
comes from shifting missions, new equipment, new Soldiers, but whatever the source, it means more
training. One of the goals is to revamp the way the Army deals with traumatic medical incidents with a
new Combat Lifesavers Class. As of February 2023, the 63rd Readiness Division in Mountain View,
California, is gathering resources and teaching more Soldiers those skills.

“The Army is all about training. We can't train unless we have you (Combat Life Savers) or medics, out
there making sure that if something does happen, that you're ready to go,” said Maj. Gen. Miles A. Davis,
commanding general, 63rd Readiness Division. “As a commander, not only do I look for you to be that
person who's helping out, but training to make sure that we can deal with what could be the worst day,
could be a severe accident, whatever it is. “

CLS is a 40 hour course that culminates in a 50-question written exam and a hands-on simulated practical
exam. The course covers appropriate action under fire, emergency tourniquet use, blood control due to
gunshots, explosions or other trauma, securing an airway, wound care, splinting and emergency
evacuation procedures.

“The first step is the All Service Members Course.” Said MSG Sanchez, Senior instructor. The Army is
developing the ASM program to the new standard for medical self-aid. That is followed by the Combat
Life Saver Course. That class is for non-medical personnel trained to perform several life-saving medical
measures.

“It is important that they take it at least once in their lifetime because you never know when you're
going to use any of these skills,” said Master Sgt. Maria Sanchez, 68W, Combat Medic Noncommissioned
Officer of the 63rd Readiness Division. “The way that the Army is progressing is that they want the
soldiers that are going deployed to be CLS qualified. I think it's a win-win situation for the commanders.”

Soldiers who receive CLS training are better equipped to provide critical medical care when it's needed,
and commanders can rest assured that their troops are prepared for any situation that arises. The Army's
commitment to improving its training programs, like the Combat Lifesavers Class, is a testament to its
dedication to the health and safety of its personnel.
The 63rd is not a school house so it must gather instructors from its subordinate units. This Feb. 20–
24, 2023 class was taught by Sgt. Alec B. Pagtakhan, Spc. Gerardo J. Reyes, both from Santa Ana,
California. Also instructing the class, was Pfc. Ramiro Martinez. This San Fernando, Ca. native has taught
the class a total of two times making him the veteran of the group. They did such an outstanding job that
they were all personally recognized by the Commanding General of the 63rd RD in a brief ceremony on
Feb. 24.

It's important to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of instructors like these, who are committed
to ensuring that soldiers receive the best possible training. Their efforts are a testament to the Army's
commitment to providing its personnel with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the field.

Common questions

Powered by AI

CLS training plays a critical role in enhancing soldiers' readiness and safety by equipping them with the necessary skills to respond to medical emergencies on the battlefield. This training aligns with the Army's broader strategy to ensure that all soldiers are prepared to manage severe occurrences, thereby minimizing casualties and maintaining operational effectiveness. By integrating medical training into the standard preparation of troops, the Army reinforces the importance of health and safety as foundational to mission success .

The implementation of the Combat Lifesavers Class underscores the Army's dedication to its personnel's health and safety by prioritizing comprehensive medical training for all soldiers. This commitment to training ensures soldiers are well-prepared to handle traumatic incidents, reflecting an institutional emphasis on minimizing risks and safeguarding the well-being of service members. By continually improving training programs, the Army reinforces its dedication to providing the necessary tools for soldiers to thrive in dynamic and potentially dangerous environments .

The Combat Lifesaver Course is beneficial for soldiers as it equips them with essential medical skills that can be life-saving in emergencies. For commanders, having CLS-qualified soldiers means their troops are better prepared to handle traumatic events, thus ensuring readiness and safety during deployments. This mutually beneficial relationship enhances operational effectiveness and supports mission success .

The All Service Members Course (ASM) serves as the foundational step in the army's medical self-aid training program. It establishes the basic medical skills necessary for soldiers, preparing them for the more advanced Combat Life Saver Course. The ASM Course ensures that all service members have a baseline understanding of medical self-aid, which is essential before they progress to the more specialized techniques taught in the CLS course .

Soldiers benefit from the written component of the CLS course by acquiring theoretical knowledge on critical medical procedures, which is then tested through a 50-question exam to ensure understanding. The practical component reinforces this knowledge through hands-on experiences, allowing soldiers to apply what they’ve learned in a controlled, simulated environment. This combination solidifies their skills, ensuring they can competently execute life-saving measures in real-world scenarios, ultimately enhancing their readiness and confidence .

The Combat Lifesavers Class curriculum includes action under fire, emergency tourniquet use, blood control, securing an airway, wound care, splinting, and emergency evacuation procedures. These components are crucial for soldiers because they prepare non-medical personnel to provide life-saving medical aid in critical situations, such as gunshots, explosions, or other traumatic events. This training enhances soldiers’ ability to perform effectively under pressure and ensure the health and safety of their fellow service members .

The 63rd Readiness Division faces challenges in conducting the Combat Lifesavers Class due to its lack of a dedicated schoolhouse, requiring them to gather instructors from subordinate units. This logistical hurdle demands efficient coordination to ensure high-quality training despite not having a centralized training facility. Additionally, maintaining a consistently effective instructor team without a permanent base poses challenges in sustaining training quality and frequency .

The Army's training approach reflects adaptation through the development of programs like the Combat Lifesavers Class, which addresses the need for soldiers to handle traumatic medical incidents. By requiring all soldiers to undergo this training, the Army ensures its personnel are prepared for diverse contingencies, reflecting a proactive stance towards evolving military roles and missions. This training strategy emphasizes the importance of flexibility and readiness in responding to new challenges .

The 63rd Readiness Division's effort to gather resources for the Combat Lifesavers Class signifies a proactive approach to enhancing soldiers' medical proficiency. Although not equipped as a schoolhouse, their initiative to source instructors from subordinate units demonstrates a commitment to overcoming logistical constraints to provide vital training. It highlights a strategic prioritization of readiness and safety within the Army’s training objectives .

The dedication and hard work displayed by instructors like Sgt. Pagtakhan, Spc. Reyes, and Pfc. Martinez highlight the Army's commitment to high-quality training. By ensuring that soldiers receive the best possible medical training, these instructors embody the Army's focus on preparedness and the well-being of its personnel. Their recognition by top leadership signifies the value placed on effective, hands-on instruction and the Army's investment in equipping soldiers with crucial skills .

You might also like