U.S. Soldiers, JGSDF members conduct joint medical training

ZAMA, KANAGAWA, JAPAN

05.10.2023

Video by Daisuke Sato 

U.S. Army Garrison - Japan

U.S. Soldiers, JGSDF members conduct joint medical training

Narration:
Members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force learned a variety of critical first-aid techniques under the instruction of U.S. Army Soldiers during a joint training session held recently on Camp Zama.

U.S. Army Medical Department Activity – Japan Soldiers trained members of the Medical Section in the JGSDF’s 4th Engineer Group and the Medical Division in the Zama General Service Unit on the various methods for applying an intermediate airway device on an injured person.

Interview: SPC Nathan Salsgiver, Combat Medic, MEDDAC-Japan


Narration:
The training was meant to enhance the Soldiers’ ability to efficiently provide medical care in a combat environment, and also to develop a better understanding among the U.S. Army and the JGSDF on how each service provides medical care.

Interview: SPC Destiny Pena, Combat Medic, MEDDAC-Japan


Narration:
The training covered various skills and techniques, including a procedure known as a surgical cricothyrotomy, when a tube is placed through an incision in the cricothyroid membrane in a patient’s throat to assist them with breathing.

The trainees also learned how to properly insert a needle or catheter through a patient’s chest to relieve pressure on the lungs, a procedure known as needle chest decompression. They also learned another technique, known as intraosseous insertion, in which a hollow-bore needle is placed through the cortex of a bone for the infusion of medical therapy and laboratory tests.

Participants were able to receive hands-on training from specialists for each procedure.

Interview: SGT Hiroki Shimoda, Medical Section, 4th Engineer Group, JGSDF
The injuries we’re learning to treat today are some of the leading causes of death on the battlefield, so by mastering these procedures, I think we will be better prepared to save lives. I don’t think there is much of a difference between the U.S. Army and the JGSDF in terms of how we treat patients, but there is a big difference in the type of equipment they have access to compared to us, so this was a great opportunity.

Interview: MSG Hiromi Sato, Medical Division, Zama General Service Unit, JGSDF
What really surprised and impressed me during today’s training was that a Soldier at the rank of specialist was administering the training. In the JGSDF, the instructor would be a master sergeant or sergeant first class. I truly feel the best way for younger members to train efficiently on a task is for they themselves to take on the role of teacher.

Narration:
The training was part of the Army’s Individual Critical Task lists, which are critical skills identified for maintaining combat readiness in each military occupational specialty, including physicians.

Interview: SPC Nathan Salsgiver, Combat Medic, MEDDAC-Japan

Interview: SPC Destiny Pena, Combat Medic, MEDDAC-Japan

Text on screen:
Produced by the Daisuke Sato, USAG Japan Public Affairs

Narration:
For U.S. Army Garrison Japan Public Affairs, this is XXXXXXX.

• Date Taken: 05.10.2023
• Date Posted: 05.11.2023 01:22
• Category: Package
• Video ID: 882935
• VIRIN: 230510-A-MS361-082
• Filename: DOD_109628725
• Length: 00:03:30
• Location: ZAMA, KANAGAWA, JP