Focusing on First Aid

By Major Michelle Faucher

With a keen eye, the judges studied the competitors as they assessed the situation and began to administer first aid. Under majestic Latvian pines, the CIOMR first aid competition was in full swing as international military teams – each consisting of three participants – raced into the tents, fully camouflaged and raring to go.

CIOMR runs this portion of the annual military competition with a focus on helping competitors understand the importance of first aid. Although this portion doesn’t count towards the final score in the overall competition, what matters most are the medical skills learned for use in combat or disaster situations.

Lessons learned are the most important part of this exercise, according to LCol Dominique Di Duca, chairman of the first aid committee and a Belgian reservist.

“This is the first year that we studied the data on where our weaknesses are and where we need to improve,” he said. “One area in need of improvement is the securing of a casualty scene – many teams are not searching the casualties or securing them when providing first aid.”

Competitors start with a timed written test and then move into the practical portion of the competition, which is scored is judged by military officers from various member countries. The Danish team topped this year’s competition with Germany and the UK finishing a close second and third. Results and lessons-learned will be posted to the website at: www.CIOMR.org.

“All participants receive an important 7-minute debrief immediately after the event, which lets them know how they did personally and as part of their team,” said Col. Walter Henny of the Netherlands. “We provide the school solution and hope they will learn from it.”