Five Soldiers from the 847th FRST (332nd MED BDE) attended and assisted in a National Association of Emergency Medical Technician Prehospital Life Support Course January 5 and 6. The training was hosted by the South Carolina Army National Guard Medical Training Team with assistance from the 847th’s, Staff Sgt. Andrew DiBenedetto.

Students incorporated skills associated with the Civilian Tactical Medicine approach to help Soldiers better understand the practicing difference between civilian and military healthcare providers.

“As a nurse in the emergency department and surgical-trauma ICU, I am often times the person that would receive our patients from EMS.  This class enabled me to have an opportunity to experience and observe the skill sets that our first responders are responsible for and capable of performing while out on the front lines,” said Capt. Rebecca Ferneding, a 66H with the 847th FRST.

“As a civilian, I'm a firefighter with the Columbia Fire Department and sometimes work on one of the ambulances, this course re-enforced the skillsets I had as a first responder,” said Sgt. Donovan Boatwright. A 68W with the 847th FRST.

“This joint-service class enabled me to look beyond my personal scope within my defined treatment areas and witness heroic acts from everyday citizens,” said Ferneding.

Upon completion course training and exam Soldiers were awarded the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) Certification.