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Washington State Guard Elevates Preparedness with Advanced Medical Training

The Washington State Guard (State Defense Force) is committed to ensuring the preparedness and resilience of its members through rigorous training exercises. During their February drill, an essential medical training course was highlighted, focusing on life-saving techniques such as stopping arterial bleeding. This drill, led by the First Sergeant, underscores the WSG’s dedication to providing soldier-level training that parallels that of their National Guard counterparts.

Stopping arterial bleeding is critically important during Search & Rescue missions and Wildland firefighting undertaken by the Washington State Guard (WSG), as these operations often occur in remote or hazardous settings where immediate access to medical care is not available. Arterial bleeding, characterized by rapid and significant blood loss due to the high pressure in arteries, poses an immediate risk of shock or death. Quick and effective action to control such bleeding is crucial, whether in the rugged terrain of a search and rescue operation or amidst the dangers of wildland firefighting, where injuries can arise from burns, falls, or encounters with sharp objects. The ability to manage arterial bleeding not only enhances the survival chances of victims but also underscores the essential nature of emergency medical training for Guard members, preparing them to save lives in critical situations where time and resources are limited.

The importance of the Washington State Guard extends far beyond its training programs. The WSG is tasked with a wide variety of missions, all of which benefit significantly from the specialized training its members receive. These missions include Search & Rescue operations, Wildland Firefighting, and other critical emergency response missions, showcasing the versatility and necessity of the Guard in protecting and serving the community. The skills developed through their comprehensive training programs, such as medical response, are highly needed and utilized across these diverse missions, ensuring that the Guard remains an essential component of Washington State’s emergency response and community support framework.

During today’s drill, our First Sergeant demonstrated how to stop arterial bleeding. The WSG conducts soldier level training similar to our National Guard counterparts. The Washington State Guard is actively seeking new members. No prior military experience required. Contact Major Wheeler at george.wheeler@mil.wa.gov for more info.

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