944 ASTS provides tools needed to save lives

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Louis Vega Jr.
  • 944th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  The 944th Aeromedical Staging Squadron hosted a Tactical Combat Casualty Care course for emergency responders including medical technicians and nurses from the 944th ASTS and medical squadron September 23 to 25. 944th and 56th Civil Engineering Squadron explosive ordnance disposal technicians and Buckeye Police Department members also participated.

TCCC is an international course that provides education for first responders and helps share information from different sources. The training is based off current research evidence on the approach of emergency medicine in the field.

The course offers the member realistic combat experiences in a tactical environment to prepare for upcoming deployments. Working with other units, services, and civilian organizations has added different perspectives to the training and challenges participants to be more prepared for future events.

"This training is critical to our survival during combat deployments," said Staff Sgt. Jose Hernandez, 56th Civil Engineering Squadron EOD technician. "I hope that I never have to use this type of training, however, if the time to use it comes up I hope to increase the probability of patient survival."

The training provides the most current lifesaving skills information coming straight from the battlefield.  Members that attend have the opportunity to practice their newly attained skills in labs and in the field.

Eleven instructors provided the valuable course information with the purpose of providing the students the tools needed to save lives on the battlefield.

"The class went very well," said Lt. Col. Leslie Wilson, 944th ASTS officer in charge TCCC and the Joint Military Operations Training Initiative lead. "It is through the collaboration of many entities, the 944 ASTS and the JMOTI mission is being realized. Because of the positive attitudes and willingness of everyone involved, this class and future classes was and will continue to be successful."