MCRD San Diego -- Recruits of Co. D, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, received a combat care class aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Oct. 23.
Recruits were first introduced to common place injuries that can occur in recruit training such as shin splints and stress fractures. Afterwards the class shifted into how to treat more serious life threatening conditions such as sunken chest wounds.
After quickly learning the symptoms of stress fractures and shin splints, recruits also learned how to treat them. Once minor injuries were covered, the discussion moved into combat related injuries and recruits learned to how to utilize tools such as gauze and tourniquets. In addition Recruits also learned about the importance of proper nutrition and hydration.
In the center of the auditorium sized classroom recruits received the opportunity to see a Marine instructor simulate treatment to a sunken chest west. While providing security with his plastic rifle Staff Sgt. Van Black, academic instructor, instructional training company, Support Battalion, applied pressure and dressings. During and after the demonstration Black paused to answer questions and go over details.
“I’m not just teaching things to pass a class. But things for a real life situation,” said Black as he demonstrated how to treat a sunken chest wound.
For many recruits, prior to the class, the extent of their first aid knowledge went as far as bandages and ice packs.
“Even though it’s just the basics, I believe it’s very important,” said Recruit Christopher M. Schmitgal, Plt. 1075, Co D. “The basics will get the bleeding to stop and save their life.”
Schmitgal admitted it was a lot of information to take in, but the importance of the knowledge was what motivated him to learn it well.
“A lot of it is new to me and I’m just trying to take it all in. Knowing what is at stake is motivation to learn,” said Schmitgal. “If you don’t learn, your brother next to you could die because you didn’t know how to use gauze correctly.”
In the class room setting, recruits are encouraged to ask questions. During the demonstration recruits had all their question answered.
“My confidence is good now,” said Recruit Juan SalazarDelaCruz. “But I want to be able to perfect it, before I get into a situation where I might have to use that aide.”
SalazarDelaCruz explained he plans on accomplishing that by practicing with his fellow recruits conducting mental repetitions and knowing all his medical supplies.
Near the end of recruit training recruits will be tested on combat care. Where they will receive a scenario with a wounded Marine and they must successfully demonstrate the proper techniques and procedures.
“When we practice it, it will become muscle memory,” said SalazarDelaCruz.
Often times it is the Marine who is first on scene to combat wounds. With the skills recruits learn in boot camp regarding combat care they will have the tools necessary to help their future fellow Marines.