CLS "Combat Lifesaver Training"

This past week's training for us was the all encompassing Combat Lifesaver Training. Fort Riley requires everyone to certify through their course. They do not accept the certification of other agencies. After going through it, I now understand why. They have their own style of training. They also have great instructors that are passionate about their craft. This training is the real deal. They start with classroom instruction for a full day, the next day was a written test and the actual administering of IVs. Everyone gets stuck and everyone sticks.... Below are a few pics of our IV day... (enjoy)....

As you can see my assistant was not too gentle, plus I had a crowd of people around to enjoy the pain of seeing your fellow soldier miss and miss your vein.... MAJ Haselden had previously certified and actually did a great job with this task. I had to embellish a bit for the camera!!!!!!

LTC Wright had fun with SGM Elvington's CLS skills. These two are the best of friends and they have a long history together, personally and professionally. We also have as a part of out team, MSG Tex Hughes, who was our assistant instructor for this class. Tex is a Registered Nurse in civilian life and he loves his job. He really taught us so much, and we feel more comfortable going into combat having an actual RN on our team.

Pictured above is our fearless leader COL Cannon giving SSG Hunter an IV. COL Cannon wears glasses and it was quite funny to see him trying to give Hunter an IV without his glasses on. Hunter was definitely not thrilled either......

Pictured above is MSG Smithey giving LTC Moore an IV. This was Smithey's first time administering an IV. He found it to be quite challenging, but he was up to the test, after a few sticks... and the loss of a quart of blood by LTC Moore... (just kidding). We all realize that we must become comfortable with this process, as it may save someones life.

The next phase of CLS Training was another hands on practical exercise. In full battle-rattle, we had several scenarios that we were faced with that required us to render appropriate aide under combat situations. One was a simulated mortar attack on a dining facility with multiple injuries inside that required mass casualty evacuation. Another event occurred during our dis-mounted patrol, we were hit by artillery, IEDs, etc and had to make the correct decision under stress. The exercise culminated with a medical evacuation after simulated combat operations on the objective.

The above picture is CSM Albert and SFC EJ Walsh enjoying and putting into application the fine CLS Training that Fort Riley have to offer. Part of our joy probably had something to do with us being given a four-day pass for the Easter Holiday. Just kidding, we have really jelled as a group. We know each other's strengths and most of our weaknesses... Best of all we have grown to care about each other's well fare. This is what being a team is all about.......