In State Defense Forces across the United States, every recruit begins their journey with basic medical training as part of Initial Entry Training, commonly known as Basic Training. This essential training instills life-saving skills that include applying tourniquets, dressing wounds, performing CPR, and other critical techniques to address emergencies. Over the course of their service in State Guards or Defense Forces, members continually build on this foundation, learning advanced skills such as stabilizing broken bones, controlling heavy bleeding, litter carrying, and using Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). As community needs evolve, so does the training; recently, a significant focus has been added to address the rise in substance abuse, equipping State Defense Force members with knowledge and tools to assist those struggling with addiction.
State Defense Forces and State Guards play a vital role in public safety, especially during emergency situations. Whether they’re running Points of Distribution (POD) missions, performing Search and Rescue operations, or managing shelters, these forces engage directly with the public and must be prepared to handle a variety of scenarios with professionalism and compassion. Their skills are continuously sharpened to ensure they can meet any unexpected challenges effectively, reinforcing the bond between the State Guard members and the communities they serve.
Recently, the 2nd Company Governor’s Foot Guard of Connecticut’s Governor’s Guards took an impactful step in expanding their medical training during their October drill. On October 7, the Foot Guard participated in life-saving Narcan training led by Natalie Mallma, Program Director, and Dianne Mark, Executive Director of the Coalition for a Better Wallingford. This training was part of the coalition’s mission to increase addiction awareness and develop community-driven solutions. Members of the 2nd Company learned to identify the signs of an opioid overdose and administer Naloxone (Narcan) effectively, a skill that could potentially save lives in emergency situations. Each participant received a Narcan kit, equipping them to respond swiftly to overdose incidents, enhancing the safety and resilience of the communities they serve. Through this training, the 2nd Company Governor’s Foot Guard has demonstrated a strong commitment to evolving alongside community needs, exemplifying the dedication of State Defense Forces to public service.
The 2nd Company Governor’s Foot Guard was honored to participate in a life-saving Narcan training on October 7, led by Natalie Mallma, Program Director, and Dianne Mark, Executive Director of the Coalition for a Better Wallingford. Their mission to raise awareness about addiction and provide comprehensive, community-driven solutions was demonstrated in this invaluable training. Members learned how to identify signs of an opioid overdose and administer Naloxone (Narcan) effectively. Every member was equipped with Narcan, empowering them to act swiftly in the event of an emergency, helping create safer, stronger communities.
