Save Your Buddy, Save Yourself

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Michael Duhe
  • 403rd Wing
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- --  Blood is like a parachute - if it's not there when you need it, you'll probably never need it again. 

The same could be said of Self-Aid and Buddy Care knowledge in a combat zone. Not knowing what to do could mean life or death for you or a buddy. 

Each UTA, Airmen from the 403rd Wing undergo SABC training that covers various types of injuries and illnesses that could occur in a combat zone and how to treat them. 

"You may go through years and years taking this course, and never have to use it," said class instructor, Master Sgt. Kevy Green, who is also a crew chief with the 403rd Maintenance Squadron. "But with all that's been going on in the Middle East and the severe injuries we're seeing, this is important to know." 

During March UTA, Sergeant Green and fellow instructor, Tech Sgt. Jason Boudreaux, a structural technician with the 403rd Fabrication Flight, taught a class of approximately 35 trainees. In the first half of the class, trainees watched a graphic video that focused on five areas of SABC: 
  • types of bleeding and how to control it
  • types of dressings and bandages
  • fractures and applying splints
  • treatment for shock
  • chemical agents 
Following the video, the class participated in hands-on training. Three members of the class volunteered to play the part of victims suffering various traumatic injuries. 

Tech. Sgt. Yolanda Foster's simulated injury was a fractured arm. Sergeant Foster, a member of the 403rd Communications Flight, sat up on a table as Tech. Sgt. Lester Payne of the 403rd Maintenance Squadron carefully applied bandages and a splint. Other members of the class looked on and discussed what had been covered in the video. 

On a second table, Maj. Ty Piercefield, a pilot with the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, lay face up with a simulated open leg fracture to his left leg. Senior Airman Jennifer Thornton of the 403rd Services Flight practiced her skill at applying two splints on each side of the major's leg in order to immobilize the injured limb. Sergeant Green quizzed those gathered around the table as to which methods of evacuating wounded should not be used for a severe leg fracture. 

The third victim, Maj. Mark Suckow, of the 815th Airlift Squadron, was treated for a simulated head wound. Lt. Col. Mark Carter, chief of Current Operations, and Lt. Col. Don Brinson, of the 403rd Operations Support Group, rendered first aid by applying bandages and direct pressure. 

During the final portion of the class, Sergeant Boudreaux demonstrated new equipment found in SABC kits. One item was a flexible splint that's wider and stronger than a rigid wooden splint; another was a tourniquet with clips, Velcro and built-in "sticks" that are twisted to stem bleeding. 

"You can almost put it on by yourself," Sergeant Boudreaux commented as he wrapped and secured the Velcro tourniquet around Sergeant Green's arm. 

The kit also included a clear nasal tube used to help a victim who is having trouble breathing and packets of powder that helps stop bleeding. 

"I've taken this class before, but it's always a good refresher," said Tech. Sgt. Ryan Labadens, 403rd Wing historian. "It's important to be up-to-date, with contingencies coming up and real-world situations here and around the world. It was also interesting to see the new things they're coming out with in SABC kits. I thought Sergeant Green and Sergeant Boudreaux did a nice job demonstrating." 

"Now, more than ever, SABC should be stressed," Sergeant Green told the class, noting the number of amputees inevitably returning from combat. "You might help save someone's limb, or even their life."