Combat Lifesaver Course-Student Self Study

COMBAT LIFESAVER COURSE: STUDENT SELF-STUDY
INTERSCHOOL SUBCOURSE IS0871


The combat lifesaver is a bridge between the self-aid/buddy-aid (first aid) training given
all soldiers during basic training and the medical training given to the combat medic.
The combat lifesaver is a nonmedical soldier who provides lifesaving measures as a
secondary mission as his primary (combat) mission allows. The combat lifesaver may
also assist the combat medic in providing care and preparing casualties for evacuation
when the combat lifesaver has no combat duties to perform.
Normally, one member of each squad, team, crew, or equivalent-sized unit will be
trained as a combat lifesaver.
A major advantage of the combat lifesaver is that he will probably be nearby if a
member of his squad or crew is injured. It may take a combat medic several minutes or
longer to reach the casualty, especially if there are several other casualties and/or the
medic is at another location. The combat lifesaver is trained to provide immediate care
that can save a casualty's life, such as stopping severe bleeding, administering
intravenous fluids to control shock, and performing needle chest decompression for a
casualty with tension pneumothorax.