Greer, SC (February 5, 2018) – North American Rescue, LLC (NAR) is pleased to announce the acquisition of JTM Training Group (JTM) from Las Vegas, NV. JTM has over 20 years of experience providing tactical and medical training to military, law enforcement, EMS, and first responder personnel.

JTM Training Group has a strong history of offering premium evidence-based medicine education and training solutions for military and first responders. As a leader in their industry, they have been offering online EMT certification/re-certification courses since 2006 and are considered one of the most trusted online EMT providers in the world. Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) courses are also available, providing hands-on combat medical training that adheres to the TCCC Standardization Guidelines. Finally, their team of experienced and knowledgeable instructors enables them to provide customized opportunities for immersive, scenario-driven courses that are tailored to meet mission-specific requirements.

This broad range of training capabilities makes JTM an ideal addition to the NAR company goal of providing “products with a mission.” NAR has long recognized that successful life-saving treatment may begin with the right equipment, but the key elements of education to know when to use and training to know how to use that gear are requisites for desirable outcomes.

“North American Rescue has always been committed to equipping the warfighter and first responders with what they need to save lives,” said Robert Castellani, CEO of North American Rescue, LLC. “We are pleased to bring the JTM team onboard. For years we have been asked for training opportunities by customers of our premium products. We are confident that JTM’s solutions will enable us to exceed expectations for leading-edge education and training experiences and that the options of online, in-person, or even mobile training events will provide accessibility to premium training that meets and exceeds requirements.”

JTM Training Group will be changing their name to “North American Rescue Education and Training” (NAR Training), and will transition to new branding during the second quarter of 2018. Their website will remain fully functional, and courses will continue to be run and offered throughout the transition.

About JTM Training Group
JTM Training Group provides training and support requirements to its specialized customers from around the world with the best value for life-saving techniques. JTM will maintain its operations in Las Vegas, NV and continue to offer premier training opportunities to military, police, EMS, fire department personnel and civilians. For more information on JTM Training Group and course offerings visit www.JTMTraining.com or call (888) 374-7808.

About North American Rescue, LLC.
North American Rescue (NAR), based in Greer, South Carolina, has proudly enjoyed the honor of serving their country, community, and customers for over two decades. NAR is leading the way in decreasing preventable deaths by providing innovative casualty care solutions to our uniformed soldiers, first responders, health care professionals, and security forces both at home, and abroad in foreign combat zones. For more information on North American Rescue and products visit www.NARescue.com or call (864) 675-9800.

http://www.ktva.com/law-enforcement-ems-train-for-the-worst-together-542/

By Daniella Rivera Photojournalist: Ken Kulovany – 11:16 PM May 15, 2016

ANCHORAGE – Police and EMTs in the Mat-Su Valley spent the weekend training for the worst together in part of a training program the state is implementing for first responders across Alaska.
The first two days of the program taught EMTs new skills learned from research that was done on combat medicine used in Iraq and Afghanistan. Then on the third day, those EMTs taught the skills to their police counterparts so they can all work more closely together and give aid in the event of a large emergency.

Sunday afternoon they put their training to the test with some very realistic live scenarios involving theater students and fake injuries.

In one scenario, a building was smoking and people were calling for help following an explosion. A team of military, EMS and law enforcement personnel had to eliminate any potential threats and make their way to the victims as fast as possible. One was an amputee, losing blood fast. They had to stabilize him, then get him out of the unstable building.

In another exercise, an active shooter shot someone and was making threats. Police dealt with the gunman and covered a soldier while he helped a gunshot wound victim to a safer area, where EMTs were waiting to treat her. A smooth team effort that’s pretend, but it prepared first responders to deal with whatever challenges might come their way in the future.

“We could sit in a room all day long talking about how the scenario would be, table top exercises, but when you get these responders out there, get their heart rate pumped, it really puts them into a stress environment,” said Andy Jones, chief of emergency programs for the State Department of Health and Social Services.

The training also focused on using tourniquets. They’re not commonly used by police, but for a victim losing blood fast, Jones said the tool could be the difference between life and death. He said all responders at the training got to keep a kit with a tourniquet and other first aid tools, and that several departments are now applying for federal grants to purchase these materials for all their first responders.

So far, the state has conducted the tactical training in Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan, Fairbanks, Anchorage and now the Mat-Su. They’re hoping to do it in the Kenai Peninsula Borough in the fall, and possibly the North Slope Borough.

A well deserved CONGRATULATIONS to one of our weapons & tactics instructors here at JTM!…HooYah Brother!

by Airman 1st Class Jake Carter

99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

11/13/2015 – NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. — The year is 1974. The Vietnam War is on its way to an end after almost 15 years of fighting. The U.S. Air Force was trying to give America the upper hand.

Also in 1974, a young man named Paul Koester decided that he wanted to join the world’s greatest Air Force.

Originally from Colorado Springs, Colorado, Koester planned on serving four years as a jet engine mechanic and that would be it. But during basic training, that thought would never become reality.

While in basic training, individuals from Pararescue came to Koester and fellow trainees to see if they would be interested in becoming a Pararescue Airmen. He took physical training tests which included swimming to see if he was cut out for the job. After barely making it through, it was on to the training pipeline for the young Airman.

“Back then, the pipeline was a year-and-a-half, now it is two-and-a-half (years). All the schools that they are going to throw at you jump, dive, weapons tactics and survival to make sure you are fully prepared,” Koester said. “That has not changed one bit, if anything it has gotten better. They do a great job of weeding out the people who aren’t cut for the job and what comes out of the school house; those guys are ready for the pipeline.”

After successfully completing his training, Koester was sent to Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska to start his career as part of the 71st Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron. After serving over four years at Elmendorf AFB, he was credited with saving over 75 lives.

For the next six years from 1980 to 1986, Koester served at McClellan AFB, California and Little Rock AFB, Arkansas, before he met his wife, Stacey.

“I was in the Air Force for almost 10 years before I met Stacey when I was stationed at Pope (AFB, North Carolina) at the time,” Koester said. “I made the decision to leave active duty and join the Air National Guard. I wanted to finish graduate school, I wanted to live a normal life and settle down. We moved to Annapolis, Maryland, started our family, and I maintained my career by working weekends in the Guard.”

From 1987 to 2003, Koester served at Francis S. Gabreski ANG base in New York where he was a part of the 102nd Rescue Squadron.

“I had a few deployments from 1997 to 2002, and of course in that time 9/11 hit,” Koester said. “It was a game changer for everybody. Our team responded to the World Trade Center; we were some of the first guys on the ground and we spent about 26 hours there.”

With the collapse of the World Trade Center, Koester and his team worked tirelessly trying to find anyone who survived the building collapse. Koester and his team were credited with pulling out the last survivor that dreadful day in New York City.

“After 9/11, I came back home and I had to drive past the Pentagon going back to Annapolis,” Koester said. “Three weeks later to the day, we were over on the Kuwait/Iraq border doing Operation Southern Watch. After that I came back home and said it’s time for a change.”

After returning home from his deployment, Koester and his family wondered what would happen next. With 9/11 kick starting the war on terror, Koester either was on duty with the Guard or at his part time job — until deciding to return to active duty.

“I called up the career field manager at the Pentagon and said ‘I think it’s a good time to come back in (to active duty),'” Koester said. “Thirty days later, we had orders to Nellis in March of 2003. In 2005, I deployed to Afghanistan and have been going back ever since.”

When coming back to active duty, Koester came to Nellis AFB, where he was a part of the 58th Rescue Squadron, and concluded his long career in 2015.

With Koester’s now at 41 years of service, he notice Airmen that he works with on a daily basis can be considered his kids.

“At my age, most of the Airmen that I deploy with are younger than my kids,” Koester said. “So that is kind of different; and you look at them like they are your own kids, extremely professional at what they do and great guys to deploy with. Some probably look at me as a father figure and I’m fine with that.”

With his combined service years totaling 41, Koester says the biggest challenge he has faced is balancing his two families.

“You’ve got your wife and kids at home that hear a little bit about it, see it on the news, but they really have no idea what you are going through and we don’t want to share most of the because of the sensitive stuff that we do,” Koester said. “And then you have your military family. Especially as a senior NCO, you have a full plate. You have a group of airmen that look to you to take care of them when you’re deployed. And that’s the best part is having that responsibility. That is the most rewarding part of having the job.”

With retirement in the books, Koester says he will miss the Air Force and deploying down range, but enjoys the time he gets to spend with his family.

“It’s great coming home at a regular time,” Koester said. “I’ve got two kids that have moved back home for the short term and I have a grandson in the house, so it’s nice to have a normal routine and I don’t have deploy which is great, and on the other hand, I don’t get to deploy again, and that’s probably the one downside which I definitely will miss.”

After recently celebrating his 60th birthday, Koester was the oldest enlisted member actively serving in the Air Force as well as the longest serving Pararescue Airman in history with 13 deployments throughout his illustrious career.

“I am honored beyond belief to have the opportunity to preside over this retirement ceremony,” said Gen. Hawk Carlisle, Air Combat Command commander, who presided over Koester’s retirement ceremony. “Chief Koester is much too humble of a man to admit this, but very few people serve long enough to actually witness their legacy in the Air Force and Chief Koester will be able to do that.”

“I will tell you in my humble opinion, I believe that our PJ’s in particular are probably the top two or three most highly trained and skilled members of the entire United States military and it speaks to what Chief Koester has been through in his life and what he has done,” Carlisle said.

Koester plans to skydive in his free time, conduct firearm training for military members, as well as being a gunsmith — which he has been doing since 2006.

During his retirement ceremony, he also left his battlefield airmen one last message.

“We are the outliers when you look at the overall mission of the Air Force. I use to have a very specific task, ‘kill the enemy, destroy the ability to fight, save American lives, and bring them home to their families,'” Koester said. “That hasn’t wavered since I came in in 1974, we are still here for that very same reason and battlefield airmen do it the best, no question about it.”

See original story here.

Training for Trouble: Police, firefighters, EMS and a bit of Hollywood-style makeup help prepare for school shooter events

By MELISSA GRIFFITHS

JUNEAU EMPIRE
There was a lot of blood. Fake blood.

The carnage may have been artificial, but the scenarios were real enough. Capital City Fire and Rescue firefighters and emergency medical services teamed last week with local police and a Las Vegas-based company to train in tactical emergency casualty care.

The goal is to train the different emergency responders to work together, and to bring medical help earlier in an emergency situation.

“Medical personnel used to stand back and wait until the scene was clear,” said Julie Rabeau, head of the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services’ trauma section. “Now they’re going in sooner and finding this is saving lives.”

Jim Mitchell, owner and general operations manager of JTM Training, which ran the training, said the scenarios used last week were based on real emergency events.

“You take a look at what has been a threat to the United States, especially the kids,” the father of two said. “How many times have they prepared for a fire drill? But what has killed children over the years hasn’t been fire … it’s been these active shooter events.”

Rabeau said any community could have an active shooter, so preparation is important.

The training included classroom time and four separate scenarios, each involving an active shooter and victims requiring care.

One scenario was a mass casualty incident, with several victims who had injuries of varying degrees. Another was a domestic violence situation. The other two involved an active shooter on the roof of the Hagevig Regional Fire Training Center’s main building and an active shooter and a victim who couldn’t be reached. That required rescuers to instruct the victim in her own care.

Each team of EMS and law enforcement completed each scenario, debriefed, then had an opportunity to go through the scenarios — with some changes — a second time to apply what they learned.

In each scenario, JTM trainer Billy Butler said, the teams are given little information and are blindfolded so they enter the scene with little chance to plan. When instructing the teams before the first round, he told them explicitly to not game it, but to treat it as if it were the real deal.

The scenarios were made as realistic as possible. While EMS and law enforcement teams got ready, volunteers made preparations of their own. Victims donned special effects makeup, with faux wounds gaping and oozing fake blood. One JTM employee distributed blood bombs — latex gloves filled with fake blood and tied off — to use. Victims of all ages — children through seniors — were instructed how to behave based on their situation and injuries. These are the victims emergency responders will encounter.

“You can train. You can plan. But now it’s literally gonna happen,” Butler said of the scenarios.

“It’s down and dirty, in your face. … You have to make rapid decisions. It shows how you might respond.”

There’s an expectation that in the first round, teams will make wrong decisions. It’s an opportunity to learn in a frantic situation:

Geared-up law enforcement officers yell directions back and forth.

Gunshots — blanks — reverberate across the training grounds.

An EMT decides which victims will be taken by ambulance to the emergency room first.

JTM employee Dustin McLean, who earlier assisted in preparation, writhes on the ground with half of one leg missing. He normally wears an artificial leg, but nobody knew of his disability until the scenario, when he wore a latex cap over his amputated leg and made it look like a bloody wound.

Emergency responders keep him from removing the tourniquet from his leg, as he moans that it is too tight, though if the tourniquet had actually been too tight, he would call out “red, red, red,” as would any volunteer for whom the action was too rough.

The integrated training is new to Juneau, CCFR EMS training officer Sandi Kelly said, and so is the reintroduction of tourniquet use.

“We’ve actually been training on tourniquets and alternative methods to control bleeding for the last year,” Kelly said. “Bleeding, we’ve found, has become one of the most important things to control because they can die — they can bleed out and die — within a minute.”

During recent wars, tourniquets have saved soldiers’ lives, Kelly said. Tourniquets went out of favor because limbs could be lost, but they’re returning to use “because it makes a difference.”

Kelly hopes this training is just the start to further integrated training between EMS and law enforcement. She and Fire Chief Rich Etheridge have been trying to organize integrated training since 2012.

Funding came from the state and city to make it happen.

“I’m hoping that after we’re done, maybe we can internally train more of our personnel in the same kind of manner,” Kelly said.

CCFR volunteer and nurse Kathy Miller played a shooter in Friday’s exercises but participates in regular drills. She is interested in seeing how this training will be incorporated into the regular training everyone participates in.

“Drills are always valuable. You don’t always have certain scenarios that happen regularly, so drills give you an opportunity to practice your skills, and also communication,” Miller said. “You get a whole picture of a response.

Butler said the goal of the training is that in a real emergency situation, emergency responders will fall back on what they’ve learned and react in the most appropriate manner.

Though Mitchell hasn’t seen any of the communities his company has trained in its 17 years apply it in an active shooter situation, he said “you can definitely see progress in the communication that happens when fire and police get together.”

• Contact reporter Melissa Griffiths at 523-2272 or at melissa.griffiths@juneauempire.com.