203rd BSTB Medics Hold CLS Recertification Course

Story and photo by Sgt. Natalie Rostek, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Health care specialists from Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, held a combat lifesaver recertification class Nov. 2 at the FOB Hammer chapel.

A Soldier’s combat lifesaver certification expires after one year. The purpose of the recertification class is to refresh Soldiers, who have already completed the full course, on their medical skills and responsibilities as combat lifesavers, said Staff Sgt. Kristine Sutton, from Cochranton, Pa., noncommissioned officer in charge of the 3rd BSTB health care specialists.

Sutton explained that approximately a year ago a new recertification program was implemented into the combat lifesaver training.

“The new program focuses on tactical combat casualty care,” Sutton said. “This is the care a first responder should provide based off the enemy situation.”

3rd BSTB health care specialists conduct classes the first and third Friday of every month. The course is held for 3rd BSTB Soldiers; however, Soldiers of any battalion can attend with permission from Sutton, who instructs the class.

Sutton said she sometimes conducts joint combat lifesaver training with the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team battalions and the 3rd BSTB medics.

“It’s crucial to have many combat lifesaver certified Soldiers,” Sutton said.

“When units roll out on patrols, the more combat lifesaver Soldiers there are, the better it is for the unit.”

The 203rd BSTB is assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, from Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March.