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NMCB 3 Trains First Responders

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090411-06
Release Date: 4/11/2009 7:16:00 PM

By Lt. Martin Ranallil

NAVAL BASE VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. (NNS) -- Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3 prepared for its upcoming field training exercise (FTX) by conducting multiple mass casualty drills as part of command post exercise (CPX) 3, March 31.

CPX 3 was the last of three exercises in a series oriented to progressively build the command and control capability of NMCB 3. Through simulated field scenarios, the battalion exercised control of subordinate companies and elements as they met specific missions.

Seabees received training on how to relocate a command operations center (COC), build a medium-girder bridge, and the treatment of combat casualties.

"This exercise gave the battalion medical team the opportunity to train the combat lifesavers (CLSs) and litter bearers [non-medically trained first-responders] outside of the classroom," said Lt. Evan Bilstrom, NMCB 3 medical doctor.

"This provided great training for the COC, practicing calling in the casualties and Nine-Line medical evacuation request. But most importantly, it gave the CLSs and litter bearers a chance to practice transporting and treating combat casualties in a controlled environment."

This exercise was not graded and took place in the base football field. The battalion medical staff prepared "casualties" with fake blood and simulated injuries while senior medical staff kept the first responders tense and on their toes. This training prepared the Seabees for the graded mass-casualty exercise, which will take place during the battalion's FTX in Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif.

"It was my job to provide the necessary amount of distractions and confusion in order to simulate the combat stress that the CLSs will face when in the field and on deployment," said Hospital Corpsmen 2nd Class (SW) Damian Young. "But despite all of my shouting and distractions, I still needed to provide the necessary guidance to train the CLSs to perform most effectively for the patients."

Patient care is priority at all times, but the litter bearer and CLSs need to understand that if the patient is exposed to combat elements, then the priority is to stop the bleeding and transport the casualty to the nearest location for treatment.

"The first day of the exercise, it took fifteen to twenty minutes for the CLS to transport the patients to good cover before providing the needed medical attention. Once the correction was made and the CLSs understood the importance to stop the bleeding and get to cover for treatment, it then only took two to three minutes to transport and begin treatment," said Young.

"The CLS's did a great job at learning from their mistakes," said Utilitiesman Constructionman Tashea Brown. "Even though we were not real casualties, I was impressed how the CLSs kept a level head in treating us with all of the fake blood, especially with shouting and commotion going on."

NMCB 3 is preparing for their upcoming FTX, which ends the basic phase of their homeport preparations for their upcoming deployment later this summer.

For more news from 30th Naval Construction Regiment, visit www.navy.mil/local/30NCR/.