GOWEN FIELD, Idaho – The 124th Medical Group offered Tactical Combat Casualty Care training March 6-8 in preparation for the 124th Fighter Wing’s upcoming deployment. TCCC replaced the training formerly known as Self Aid Buddy Care.
This new training, required every three years, gives members more hands-on training to deal with blast injuries, gunshot wounds and other types of trauma, said Staff Sgt. Annelise Lane, a medic with the 124th Medical Group.
“The TCCC training gives members a way to break down a combat situation when medical attention is needed and is designed for them to be able to treat the most preventable cause of death on the battlefield,” said Lane.
The TCCC training teaches the “MARCH” assessment, shorthand for massive hemorrhages first; assess airways; respirations; circulation; and head and hypothermia. The training also covers the basics of first aid, such as splinting.
The 124th MDG set up five stations, breaking down each step of the “MARCH” assessment, with a final station where the members put what they learned to the test. Two attendees at a time entered a room with different obstacles to test the training they had just learned. The sounds of gunshots, explosions, loud banging and shouting instructors filled the room to induce fear and stress.
“I felt immense pressure, probably the most pressure I’ve ever felt in my life,” said Airman Nathan Layne, a nondestructive inspection specialist with the 124th Maintenance Squadron.
“This experience was unlike any kind of learning experience I’ve had,” said Layne. “It was fun, it was intense and it was genius to incorporate so many hands-on opportunities into this class.”