Aboard every U.S. Navy ship, Sailors have multiple responsibilities in addition to their jobs. Sailors are required to learn damage control to be prepared to save the ship from a casualty, and undergo first aid training to potentially save a fellow shipmate.

For amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), Petty Officer 1st Class Patrick Barnes provides Sailors with advanced first-aid training for future shipboard stretcher bearers.

"I believe wholeheartedly in the hands-on approach to training," said Barnes. "There is so much more you gain when you are getting involved instead of just watching a Powerpoint. When you're using your hands, and having to communicate with your fellow shipmates about where you need to go and how you're going to get there, it's invaluable."

Barnes brings with him the experience of multiple tours to the Middle East, where he was in the field with Marines and knows firsthand what it takes to save a life.

"We never truly know how we're going to react in a situation," said Barnes, "and through training, as long as Sailors know the procedure their chances for success increase tremendously."

During training, Barnes stresses the importance of all members of the stretcher team.

"If just one person fails, the entire team can fail and that could be disastrous for the victim," he said.

The training Barnes conducts takes about one hour, beginning with getting each Sailor comfortable with the different stretcher bearer roles.

"The six stretcher bearers usually transport their patient to a designated area through the tight passageways of the ship," said Barnes.

Sailors who participate in the training to get qualified as a stretcher bearer enjoy the hands-on experience, and say it is far more useful than Powerpoint training or lecture.

"The atmosphere was fun, and we had an amazing time during the training," said Petty Officer 1st Class Julius Reveche. "When you get everyone involved and make it a fun experience, people -- I think -- tend to retain the knowledge better."

So far, Barnes has trained more than 200 Sailors and holds classes the first Wednesday of every month in port and every Wednesday at sea.

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