43rd AES tactical combat casualty care course

  • Published
  • By Nicholas Pilch
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. Airmen from the 43rd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron Detachment 1 participated in a tactical combat casualties care course at Travis AFB, Jan 29 – 31.

“Over three days, we trained 22 different modules for tactical combat medics to be able to perform in any combat situation,” said Staff Sgt. Brendon Bowman, 43rd AES Detachment 1 AE flight instructor.

The training is a new Department of Defense standard. Though similar to self-aid buddy care, it is adapted and will replace the SABC course in April.

“This training allows us to train members to be prepared for a combat zone and injuries they might find there,” said Master Sgt. Connor Olney, 571st Mobility Support Advisory Squadron air advisor. “The training consists of a one-to two-day classroom lecture, then a day in the field to practice medical skills under a combat-like environment, hands-on.”

In the classroom environment, participants learned the different modules and were tested on each module before being able to continue to the field portion of the training. In the field, training participants encountered aggressors with airsoft pellet guns.

“The training is really important for us because, as AE, we don’t get to see the tactical part in these trainings, usually,” said Staff Sgt. Cali Lutz, 43rd AES Det. 1 AE technician. “Learning the skills for more tactical maneuvers and what needs to be done, even if I’m not the one that is securing the area, I at least know what the support team is doing and how I can better help them instead of getting in the way.”

The 43rd AES brought in members from the 571st MSAS so the Airmen participating in the training would have additional survival skills and training.