Self-Aid and Buddy Care: Anyplace, anytime

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Catherine Martin
  • 5th Medical Support Squadron
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  While Self-Aid and Buddy Care is taught as part of pre-deployment training, its use isn't solely for the battlefield. Military members can take facets of the course and apply them to any emergent situation, from responding to a vehicle accident on Highway 83, to aiding a co-worker who twisted their ankle during physical training or when treating a cut received while preparing dinner.

The main aspects of SABC training are bleeding control and airway management, which are two of the leading factors in battlefield casualties. Emphasis is also placed on patient transportation, medical evacuation request and the casualty care card. 

"I believe that the concept of SABC is very simple - minimize the damage done with basic but effective methods. For the most part, SABC is a reactive mindset to a traumatic event," said Tech. Sgt. Justin Fuhler, 5th Medical Group SABC monitor.

Skills learned during training are valuable regardless of location. 

"Maintaining an open airway can be as simple as repositioning the patient's head. After all, the majority of airway obstructions are caused by the tongue blocking the airway," Fuhler said. "I would say that you're more likely to experience a situation like that at home-station versus down-range."

In addition to being the unit SABC monitor, Fuhler is also a SABC instructor. He takes lessons learned from his recent deployment training and experience as an independent duty medical technician, and applies them to the classes he instructs.

"Personally, as an instructor, my goal is to conduct the training in such a way that it mirrors the real thing as closely as possible," Fuhler added.

One of the ways he does this is by incorporating "drills" into his class. After practicing the proper Combat Application Tourniquet placement, Fuhler simulates an explosion and students have 12 seconds to apply a CAT on their partner who is lying on the ground.

Students who were able to run smoothly through the practice are now fumbling to apply the CAT. The demonstration hammers home how different the act is when pressure is applied. 

"Ultimately, I believe that the whole purpose of training is to prepare the students for actual events. The closer we simulate the real deal, the better and more effective the student performs," Fuhler said. "If I'm ever faced with the situation that requires the use of SABC, I'll be glad that I applied my training to fellow students. I'll know where to feel for a pulse when applying a tourniquet, and I'll know what chest 'rise and fall' actually looks like. Critical indicators like that just can't be provided by a mannequin."

Military members are required to complete SABC training in coordination with their Air Expeditionary Force period. Members with questions regarding the SABC training should contact their unit SABC monitor or the wing point of contacts, William Large and Tech. Sgt. Catherine Martin.