By YM/GySgt Klarisse Base Eagle (CA) Our unit had First Aid and First Responder training. Our instructors were Active Duty Navy Corpsman who had recently returned from Afghanistan. Our dedicated Corpsman taught us about First Aid treatment of Choking Signs and Problems, Bleeding Wounds, Spinal Injuries, Heat and cold related in- juries and Fractures. We learned about different types of bandages, and we learned how to do wraps and fractures for jaws, knees, and arms. We watched a video and learned about sun burns, hyperthermia, and frostbite. We learned about the Heimlich ma- neuver, to assist a person choking, We were taught how to use tourniquets, and posting times of victims’ injuries. Af- ter all that we tested with a drill, which was conducting a Mass Casualty emer- gency. The Corpsman presented us with an Earthquake Scenario in a three story building with simulated injuries in all floors on the building. We were in our Teams with Field Expedite stretchers and other tools in the Building.We could not use the elevator or lights. We had to find them in the dark, put splints on put them on stretchers and/or use the fire- man’s carry. We spent several hours get- ting out all the injured. This was very demanding and rewarding. With the practical application of the latest medic combat training, it brought the Young Marines as close as possible to the real medical emergencies that can happen at any time or anywhere. With the right training, working together we can accomplish more and help others when they are hurt or injured. Because of this training,I am now more confident in my First Aid abilities. We re- ally respect and admire all of the great Navy Corpsman who serve our Country. I am grateful to my parents for enroll- ing me in Young Marines, our adult vol- unteers for all the wonderful character building,life skills, and having fun at the same time. Eagle Young Marines: We Received First Aid Training From Navy Corpsmen By YM/Cpl Amanda Valencia, YM/LCpl Alex Gutierrez, YM/LCpl Luis Gutierrez, YM/LCpl John Fidanzia and YM/PFC Andrew Fidanzia Fox Valley (IL) On a Saturday last February, was our standard drill, nothing overly exciting happened, that is, until YM/Cpl Amanda Valencia, and YM/LCpl Alex Gutierrez, YM/LCpl Luis Gutierrez, YM/LCpl John Fidanzia, and PFC Andrew Fidanzia (all outside waiting for the adults to secure the drill hall) saw a small white dog ap- pear out of nowhere running around wanting to play. In his excitement, the dog fell into a nearby river, which had frozen over in places. The ambient temperature that morning was in the teens. Suddenly, as though we’d been given an order, we sprang into action, deter- mined to rescue the dog, who was now frightened and struggling to find a way out of the moving water. The dog was able to get up on a piece of ice, but the ice soon broke apart, and he was back in the freezing water, only now he was on the far side of the river. YM/LCpl Alex Gutierrez, YM/LCpl Luis Gutierrez, YM/LCpl John Fidanzia, and YM/PFC Andrew Fisanzia took off run- ning upstream about 600 yards to a foot bridge to cross over the river, while YM/ Cpl Amanda Valencia ran to her mom’s car to fetch a blanket. Mr. Luis Gutier- rezcame outside, and upon seeing what the Young Marines were attempting, re- mained on drill hall side of the river and followed the dog downstream so that they not lose sight of him. Meanwhile, we ran back downstream on the other side, which was heavily wooded. We came to the dog, who was clinging to a brush pile on the side of the bank. The dog appeared to be very scared and was struggling to get com- pletely out of the water. YM/LCpl Luis Gutierrez was able to safely reach the dog, who was wet, cold, shivering, and surely nearing hypother- mia. As we started back upstream, YM/ Cpl Amanda Valencia arrived with a blanket. YM/LCpls Gutierrez and Fidan- zia carried the dog (by now, wrapped in the blanket) across the foot bridge and to the drill hall. The poor dog was terrified, but began to settle down when we brought him in- side. Rather than take him to an animal shelter, Mrs. Sandra Fidanzia offered to take him home and keep him until they were able to find the owners. He seemed to be the kind of dog that probably be- longed to an elderly couple. Mrs. Findanzia took him to her veteri- narian to get him checked out and to see if he had been microchipped. He wasn’t, so she notified all the local authorities. Two days later, the police department called to say they had found the own- ers. The dog’s name was Toby. Mrs. San- dra Findanzia, YM/LCpl John Fidanzia, and YM/PFC Andrew Findanzia drove to the owner’s home and placed Toby in the arms of two very happy and excited middle school girls. Of course, Toby was also very excited to be home. Don’t you just love happy endings? Fox Valley: Bold Actions,Teamwork Rescue a Dog in Distress Toby, returned home safely. 22 YOUNG MARINES ESPRIT ONLINE