The training focused on recognizing and responding to life-threatening bleeding – one of the leading causes of preventable death both on the battlefield and in civilian trauma incidents. The event combined classroom instruction with hands-on practical exercises designed to strengthen cooperation and build local medical capacity.
According to U.S. Army Maj. Christopher Killen, a physician assistant supporting Pacific Friendship 2025, hemorrhage control is a leading cause of fatalities in certain trauma situations.
Participants learned techniques such as applying direct pressure, wound packing, and using tourniquets effectively. Instructors also emphasized managing junctional-area wounds where a limb tourniquet cannot be applied.
Demonstrations, led by U.S. Army Sgt. Ethan Perke with the assistance of U.S. Army Spc. John Picone, allowed Vietnamese professionals to see and practice these lifesaving methods.
“This creates a great opportunity to work with our partners to understand their capabilities while they learn about ours,” Killen said. “Together, we can help each other prepare for any future events.”
The course provided both new lessons and valuable refreshers for many Vietnamese medical professionals.
“The most helpful thing I learned was the proper positions of where to place these techniques and where not to, to avoid causing more damage,” said a Vietnamese surgeon who participated in the training. “This is also a really good refresher for EMTs and technicians.
“Learning these methods helps us develop a stronger system for our community,” he said, “especially when accidents happen.”
U.S. instructors and Vietnamese medical professionals exchanged knowledge about the equipment and practices each side relies on in emergencies throughout the day. By comparing tools such as the Combat Application Tourniquet (CAT) with tourniquets commonly used in Vietnam, both sides gained a deeper understanding of their respective approaches to emergency care.
The hemorrhage control course is part of Pacific Friendship 2025, a series of engagements focused on humanitarian assistance, disaster response, medical training, and infrastructure development. By conducting joint training, U.S. and Vietnamese partners aim to improve their ability to respond to emergencies while strengthening trust and cooperation.
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