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LONGARE, Italy — Soldiers of A Company, 457th Civil Affairs Battalion hosted their first Combat Lifesaver Course with Italian reserve officers here Feb. 26 to 28.
The training included prevention of hot and cold weather injuries, casualty evaluation, treatment of various types of wounds and administrating intravenous fluids. It also included a demonstration of various methods to evacuate casualties.
As part of the unit’s international partnership with the Italians, 10 members of the Unione Nazionale Ufficiali in Congedo d’Italia participated in the training alongside the Soldiers of A Co., 457th CA Bn. UNUCI is the reserve officers association of Italy, which provides professional development, training and organizes physical activities.
“This is a very particular activity not only to prepare us for a tactical theater but also to be ready for a civil protection emergency during an international or local crisis,” said Italian 1st Capt. Antonio Scalia, vice president of the UNUCI Verona branch.
“Using medical prevention techniques to sustain life on the battlefield through training is the best way to enhance the combat mindset and maintain Soldier readiness,” said Sgt. Laura Derry, a combat lifesaver trainer at A Co., 457th CA Bn.
About 20 Soldiers and UNUCI members took part in the three-day
training at the Longare conference facility to learn battlefield medical treatment
techniques.
At the conclusion of the training, U.S. and Italian participants tested their knowledge and skills in written and practical exams.
The biggest challenge was overcoming the language barriers in the joint training, said Lt. Col Michael O’Connor, commander of the 457th CA Bn.
