Combat lifesavers

Afghan air force firefighters team up to safely move a "patient" during a combat life saver course May 22 at the KAW Fire Department. A U.S. Air Force advisor provided oversight as Afghan flight medics taught the day-long course. The focus of the training was on equipment familiarization and basic life saving steps and hands on techniques to treat wounded soldiers. Kabul Air Wing medics also taught various carries and proper litter support for transporting patients.(U.S. Air Force courtesy photo)

Combat lifesavers

A U.S. Air Force advisor provides oversight as an Afghan air force firefighter applies a pressure dressing during a combat life saver course taught solely by Afghan flight medics May 22 at the Kabul Air Wing Fire Department. The focus of the training was on equipment familiarization and basic life saving steps and hands on techniques to treat wounded soldiers. (U.S. Air Force courtesy photo)

KAW Afghan fire department completes CLS class

Published May 25, 2011
By Staff Sgt. Justin Weaver
438th Air Expeditionary Wing

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Kandahar Air Wing Afghan air force firefighters completed a combat life saver course taught solely by Afghan flight medics May 22 at the KAW Fire Department.

"The purpose of the Combat Life Saver Class was to familiarize the Kandahar Air Wing Fire and Emergency Services flight with the medical equipment they possess and how to provide basic life saving care," said Tech. Sgt. Blaine Holland, 443rd Air Expeditionary Advisory Group advisor. "The training was also designed to build a relationship with the KAW flight medics to improve emergency on-scene patient care between the two agencies."

A U.S. Air Force advisor provided oversight as the Afghan flight medics taught the day-long course. The focus of the training was on equipment familiarization and basic life saving steps and hands on techniques to treat wounded soldiers. Kabul Air Wing medics also taught various carries and proper litter support for transporting patients.

"These skills are important to the Fire and Emergency Services flight because as first responders they will encounter situations where immediate patient care will be critical to the survival of those on scene," Sergeant Holland said. "This training helps the first responders use the tools they have to stabilize a patient and reduce the chance of further injury until more advance life support arrives."

For Afghan air force firefighter Sayed Sheirn Agah, this training provided valuable information for him.

"This training was very good; we would like to do more tomorrow," he said. "We also would like to train more and get the supplies we need to help treat burn patients."

The advisory squadron mentors the local KAW Afghan force and conducts training courses each month to help develop the skills of the airmen.

"This link between the KAW flight medics and the KAW Fire department will further strengthen an independent training environment that is valuable for continued improvement," said Sergeant Holland.