SOTG, which is part of III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, participated in the course to ensure its members learn the proper steps to take when and if they come across an unconscious individual.

“We taught basic cardiac lifesaving skills,” said Seaman Apprentice Seneca Jackson, a corpsman with 3rd Medical Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III MEF. “They learned how to properly compress and how to properly give air to a choking victim.”

During the class, which was taught by 3rd Medical Bn. personnel, students were able to learn the differences in providing aid for adults, children and infants.

There are some differences in resuscitating an adult and an infant. The main difference is the rate and depth you perform compressions on the victim, said Capt. Joshua J. Mayoral, an intelligence officer with SOTG.

Those taking the class were also taught how to use various tools to aid in the lifesaving process.

“Some of the things they learned to utilize while giving aid were the automated external defibrillator, pocket masks and bag-mouth masks,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Christian R. Vicncil, a corpsman with the battalion. “The pocket mask gives the ability to provide air to the victim without having the direct contact mouth-to-mouth. The bag-mouth masks are usually carried by paramedics or used in hospitals, but it is still good for those taking this class to learn how to use it.”

For Mayoral, using the AED was a new factor in resuscitating he had not experienced before.

“The last time I did a (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) class they did not have AEDs to use like we do now,” said Mayoral. “It is easy to use the AED. Once it is opened it turns on and an automated voice will take you through each step, telling you where to place the pads as well as what buttons you need to press and when.”

With AEDs being placed in almost every building, Vicncil says knowing how to use one is valuable knowledge.

“I have used the AEDs before to save patients who suffered severe heart attacks,” said Vicncil. “It is an effective tool and easy to use. It is good knowledge to have; you never know when something might happen. You could be hanging out with friends or at work when someone goes unconscious or into cardiac arrest. Knowing BLS and how to use an AED can save their life.”

The battalion offers the lifesaving class twice a month, and upon completion of the class students are presented with a certificate identifying them as a lifesaver.

“This class is available to all military and government contractors on Okinawa,” said Vicncil. “For those interested in taking this class, call 3rd Medical Battalion’s S-3 training at 623-7733.”