MCRD San Diego -- “A Marine’s belief in the Corps’ values of honor, courage and commitment is never clearer than when his or her unselfish act results in saving the life of another human being.”
This was read from a slideshow to recruits of Company G, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, during their class on combat care during recruit training aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego Aug. 22.
During the class, recruits were provided with demonstrations on moving a casualty, tactical evacuations as well as carries and litters. Previous first aid lessons have given recruits the information and competence to stabilize a casualty to the best of their ability before having to evacuate someone. With adequate first aid, it affords the casualty the opportunity to be transported safely in order to receive professional medical treatment.
“It might be called combat care, but it teaches recruits techniques and procedures that can be used in everyday situations,” said Staff Sgt. Van A. Black Jr., instructor, Academic Instructor Platoon, Support Battalion.
Recruits learned one-man carries, two-man carries and different types of field expedient litters or stretchers. Safe and timely evacuation of a casualty increases survivability and lessens the possibility of permanent damage.
“These are all very useful things for us to know, even if we don’t deploy,” said Recruit Kevin Tran, Platoon 2147, Co. G. “I think I have a good grasp of the knowledge that was given. The instructor did a good job of presenting the information and showing us how to properly do each carry.”
The class was displayed through a slideshow presentation, however, Black decided to redirect their attention away from the slideshow to help recruits retain the knowledge.
“I like how the instructor presented the information. He was very interactive with all the recruits which helped us learn the material better than just watching him flip through slides,” said Tran.
Black often called for volunteers to read the information aloud as well as recruits to help demonstrate carries while using proper techniques.
After the hour-and-a-half-long period of instruction, recruits left with a better understanding of not just combat care, but the importance of knowing how to save the person’s life next to them, according to Black.
“At the end of the class, I stuck my hand up to count the techniques that I taught and without hesitation, the recruits automatically started shouting out the answers,” said Black. “That meant I was able to teach them what they needed to know and that learning had occurred.”