Identifying the Need for First Responder Training for CONUS Deployed National Guardsmen

Researcher: Anthony Bevers

The purpose of this study is to explore the need for specialized first responder type training for the National Guard. Currently, there are gaps in specialized first aid training for the National Guard's secondary mission of Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA). The Army's Combat Life Saver (CLS) course is not adequate to fulfill the special circumstances the DSCA mission. This mixed methods study seeks to increase the capability of the National Guard’s response to disasters and individual aid in the community in times of need.

Questions the study will seek: Is there a need for the training? 

Review of existing related literature will be completed. A review of the number of incidents where non-medical Service Members responded will be conducted. Interviews with non-medical Soldiers and Airmen will be conducted.

 Is the training effective and relevant? 

The author has already compiled the curriculum of the CLS Supplement (CLS2) course and will seek the efficacy of relevance of the curriculum with testing on small groups of Soldiers.

 End State 

Service Members who attend the two day course will be more confident and competent to address the unique aspects of the CONUS prehospital disaster environment. The results of this study will be submitted to the Texas Army National Guard (TXARNG) for review and implementation as standard training for the TXARNG.

Future Cooperation

At this time, I am not collaborating with another researcher, but I would be happy to take on interested parties to co-author the study.