SABC

An Airman reads a lesson on Self-Aid and Buddy Care as part of a computer-based training course Sept. 9, 2014, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. SABC involves hands-on training and a CBT course that covers a variety of life-saving techniques. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Harry Brexel)

SABC

Staff Sgt. Ryan Hall, 19th Medical Group education and training noncommissioned officer in charge, prepares to use a nasopharyngeal airway tube on Senior Airman Deven Domingue, a 19th Medical Operations Squadron family health medical technician, Sept. 9, 2014, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. Using an NPA is a vital part of airway management and is taught during the Self-Aid and Buddy Care class. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Harry Brexel)

SABC

Senior Airman Deven Domingue, a 19th Medical Operations Squadron family health medical technician, applies a field tourniquet to a simulated victim Sept. 9, 2014, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. All Airmen are taught how to potentially save limbs by using tourniquets during Self-Aid and Buddy Care class. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Harry Brexel)

SABC

Staff Sgt. Ryan Hall, 19th Medical Group education and training noncommissioned officer in charge, uses Quikclot Combat Gauze on a training mannequin as part of the bleeding control portion of a Self-Aid and Buddy Care class Sept. 11, 2014, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. Airmen are taught life-saving techniques using a variety of first aid tools. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Harry Brexel)

Life-saving skills 101

Published Oct. 16, 2014
By Airman 1st Class Harry Brexel
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- More than 250 classes are taught each year at Little Rock AFB to educate Airmen on a multitude of life-saving techniques. Airmen from a variety of career fields receive life support training methods weekly. Active-duty, reservists and guardsmen must take Self-Aid and Buddy Care training every two years or prior to a deployment. SABC training consists of an online computer-based training course and a hands-on skill verification. There are more than 100 registered SABC instructors on base. SABC training topics include anatomy and physiology, universal precautions for communicable diseases, airway management, recognition and control of bleeding, shock management, dressings, bandaging, fractures, splinting, victim assessment, triage, and patient transportation/litter movement. However, the 19th Medical Group education and training element also instructs classes on other medical readiness skills, including advanced cardiovascular life support and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The basic life support classes are not only useful in a combat environment - knowing how to help a wounded person until medical help arrives, can save their life. In April, a team of 19th Airlift Wing loadmasters used SABC training to bring an injured motorcyclist back to consciousness.