Army Implements Combat Lifesaver Training For Soldiers

Saturday, May 26th 2007, 2:00 pm

By: News On 6

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) _ The Army is increasing the medical training it gives to soldiers in the hope that they can treat wounded comrades on the battlefield -- in some cases saving lives.

The service's five basic training bases will begin offering combat lifesaver training by June 15th. The training includes instructions on starting an IV and helping soldiers breathe through a tube.

Soldiers at Fort Sill in Oklahoma and Fort Knox in Kentucky already have begun the training.

Officials say medical care given immediately after injuries like gunshot wounds and those caused by improvised explosive devices could mean the difference between life and death.

And they say simple lifesaving techniques could cut down on longterm injuries and deaths.

Previously, a limited number of soldiers in each unit were trained on advanced lifesaving procedures. Most soldiers only received basic first aid techniques, like bandaging and performing CPR.