What is the primary goal of First Aid training in FMTB?

The primary goal of First Aid training in the Field Medical Training Battalion focuses on the immediate response required to stabilize casualties before higher-level medical care is available. This encompasses performing rapid assessments and applying interventions that can reduce the severity of injuries or manage critical conditions. First Aid training ensures that Marines are equipped to handle potentially life-threatening situations effectively, providing essential support during the critical early moments after an injury occurs.

While advanced trauma care and emergency response preparation are significant components of a broader medical training program, they typically occur at elevated levels of medical training beyond basic First Aid. Teaching self-defense techniques, although valuable in its own right, does not align with the immediate objectives of First Aid training, which is strictly centered on medical care and stabilization of individuals in distress until professionals can take over.