MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Station corpsmen left the serenity of their respective clinics Feb. 29, some hoping to learn to perform under fire and some in the mood for a little action.
Whatever the motive, the seven life savers took their expertise to the Paintball Range here where they realized the painful need to think fast under stress during a Tactical Combat Casualty Care exercise.
The 15-minute course was the conclusion of a three-day class coordinated by Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher P. Utz, Marine Aircraft Group 12 aero-medical safety corpsman, who recently attained an instructors rating from Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune to administer the course. Utz described the course to be an invaluable tool for upping combat readiness.
“The corpsmen do some refresher training in areas like treating open wounds, amputations and post medical care,” Utz said. “Right after the classes are over we head out to the paintball range for some practical application.”
The course, similar to a Combat Lifesavers Course also administered by sailors, required the participating sailors to cross a danger area and provide first-aid to injured combatants on the other side. Once basic medical treatment was administered, the sailors then had the task of escorting the wounded back to a safe area, sometimes via fireman’s carry then providing further assistance.
“One factor that makes it harder for them is that there isn’t any security posted while they’re working – they’re open to enemy fire,” Utz added.
Utz employed pyrotechnics-savvy station ordnance personnel to release smoke bombs and detonate flash-bang grenades.
The ordnance persons also assisted in the course by arming themselves with paintball guns under Utz’s instruction to “pick off” both the corpsmen and the wounded if they left the opportunity open.
Seaman Apprentice Nathan D. Harper, Robert M. Casey Medical & Dental clinic hospital corpsman, said he appreciated learning what he called a higher echelon of medical care.
“This kind of course makes you think on your feet,” said Harper. “Working at the clinic isn’t as fast-paced so this is our only chance to get realistic training in.”
Following the completion of the course, the corpsmen were evaluated on their performance by Utz and the training assistants. Utz congratulated the sailors while at the same time noting the areas they needed improvement.
“One of the things we noticed is their speed,” said Utz. “They have to be able to move quicker than that, but that’s what the training is all about.”
The corpsmen were given a certificate upon completion of the course. Harper said he will be able to take away more from it than that.
“It was a real adrenaline rush and it makes me remember why I joined the Navy: to save lives,” Harper said. “I know that this training helped me. I can’t help feeling like I want to do the course over again.”