FORT MAGSAYSAY, Philippines – Combat lifesaving (CLS) skills are integral on the battlefield. Having the proper knowledge and training can mean the difference between life and death. As the Balikatan exercise (BK13) gets underway, American and Philippine soldiers are taking the time to hone their CLS training and one U.S. soldier in particular, takes this training very seriously.
Sgt 1st Class Domingo Manog was born in Ilocos Sur, Philippines. He is now part of the Hawaii National Guard Medical Detachment based out of Kalaeloa, Hawaii. This will be the third time Manog has participated in Balikatan, though this year is the first time his team will be taking a more hands-on approach with their counterparts.
“This is our first time teaching CLS,” said Manog. “The last time was different, before we were OC’s (observer/controller).”
Manog said that although his previous experiences during the Balikatan were all educational and enjoyable, he finds this year to be better. Not only is everyone more actively engaged in the training, but he also said the two countries are sharing the different methods they each use to save lives.
“Coming from the Philippines, to me I take it personally,” said Manog. “This is one way to give back to this area and that is important to me.”
During the CLS class, Philippine and U.S. Army soldiers learned a variety of lifesaving first aid techniques to apply to various types of injuries. This side-by-side training method gave each of the counterparts an insight as to how each military force provides first aid in their respective countries.
Manog said that one of the most important aspects of the training is to be aware of how to properly utilize the first aid equipment.
“With all of this CLS teaching and knowledge, and with the practices that we are doing, if they deployed tomorrow overseas and one of our coalition forces that uses an IFAK (Individual first aid kit) becomes a casualty, they may be the only person who knows how to properly use the IFAK.,” Manog said. “Knowing how to properly use that kit can save some ones life, which is the most important thing.”
| Date Taken: | 04.15.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 04.15.2013 16:26 |
| Story ID: | 105219 |
| Location: | FORT MAGSAYSAY, PH |
| Web Views: | 68 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, US soldier returns home to share knowledge about saving lives, by Danielle Coleman, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
