Combat lifesaver course

A course designed to train non-medical military personnel in emergency medical care

Overview

The Combat Lifesaver Course (CLS) is a training program designed to provide non-medical military personnel with the skills necessary to provide immediate life-saving measures in combat situations. The course is intended to bridge the gap between the self-aid/buddy-aid training given to all soldiers and the advanced medical training given to combat medics.

Combat lifesaver training resources

History

The concept of the Combat Lifesaver Course was developed to address the need for immediate medical care on the battlefield, where professional medical personnel may not be immediately available. The course was first implemented by the United States Army and has since been adopted by various military organizations around the world.

Training Content

The Combat Lifesaver Course covers a variety of topics essential for providing emergency medical care in combat situations. These include:

• Hemorrhage Control: Techniques for controlling bleeding, including the use of tourniquets, pressure dressings, and hemostatic agents.
• Airway Management: Methods for ensuring an open airway, including the use of nasopharyngeal airways and the recovery position.
• Treatment of Shock: Recognizing and managing shock, including the administration of intravenous fluids.
• Casualty Evacuation: Techniques for safely moving and evacuating casualties from the battlefield.

Role of a Combat Lifesaver

A combat lifesaver is a soldier who has completed the CLS training and is capable of providing immediate medical care in the absence of a medic. They are equipped with a Combat Lifesaver Bag, which contains medical supplies necessary for treating common battlefield injuries.

Importance in Modern Warfare

In modern warfare, the ability to provide immediate medical care can significantly increase the survival rate of injured soldiers. The Combat Lifesaver Course ensures that more personnel are available to provide this critical care, thereby enhancing the overall medical readiness of military units.

Related Pages

• Combat medic
• First aid
• Military medicine
• Tactical Combat Casualty Care