Marines become combat lifesavers 

Twenty-five Marines with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit conducted hands-on training during a two-day Combat Lifesaver course here April 6 and 7.

During the course the Marines learned to provide advanced first aid and lifesaving procedures beyond the level of self-aid and buddy aid.

“Every person should have the basic knowledge whether in a combat environment or not,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class James C. Jenkins, 29, the assistant leading petty officer G3 tactical readiness and training corpsman with 1st Marine Logistics Group.

Jenkins, from Lees Summit, Mo., has served as a corpsman for five years and as a CLS instructor for two years.

The course covers types of treatment, injuries and scenarios Marines may encounter while in a combat situation.

“Hopefully (the Marines) will leave with training they didn’t know, or the confidence to provide aid when they see (an injury) that could be life threatening,” Jenkins said.

Each Marine performs hands on patient treatment using tourniquets and proper wound dressing to treat severe wounds or injuries.

“I learned how to properly administer a tourniquet to myself and other Marines,” said Pfc. Eric J. Meek, 23, from Lake Orion, Mich., a data network specialist with the unit. "I feel confident that depending on the type of injury I would be able to perform proper lifesaving procedures to the best of my ability.”