American Legion Ronald Reagan – Palisades Post 283 Hosts Tactical Medical Training

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

American Legion Ronald Reagan – Palisades Post 283 opened its programs to the public for the first time on Saturday, February 11, starting with a tactical medical training.

Commander Jim Cragg explained that Tactical Emergency Casualty Care is an eight-hour class focused on controlling major trauma—including gun-shot wounds, burns, injuries and more. The course follows MARCH protocols, treating, in order: massive hemorrhaging, airway, respirations, circulation and hypothermia/shock. The Saturday program included classroom instruction, followed by hands-on training using mannequins, concluding with a mass casualty practical exam.

The program was led by Jason Ames, who recently retired from full duty service with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department with 25 years of experience. Cragg—an Army officer and Special Operations Forces austere medical technician—assisted Ames, alongside former Navy SEAL Medic Justin Garza and Army Ranger veteran Evan Vilander.

Of the training, Cragg said the Post chose to offer the program because of the “active shooter events that have happened in recent years.”

“In the Legion, we find veterans who prefer to look for solutions and act where they can be effective,” Cragg said to the Palisadian-Post. “So we chose to train our Post staff and members, while inviting local school staff and law enforcement to attend the TECC training. Our Post is located between four schools and a post office, all possible targets … We feel good that we have taken these steps to stand ready to save lives.”

He said 20 students participated, including three Los Angeles Police Department officers, Senior Lead Officer Brian Espin, one Santa Monica Police Department officer, one security guard, three Post 283 staff members, a former educator, a journalist and more.

“The training was intense … but every one of the students reported it to be a great class,” Cragg said. “We are particularly proud to offer training where citizens can take training next to police officers to rebuild the bond between law enforcement and our community.”

He said the next class will likely be in six months, open to community members, local school staff, law enforcement officers, Post members and more.

“Post 283 is putting on this training to equip our community with skills to handle [dangerous situations],” Cragg said.

Post 283 also offers First Aid, CPR and Stop the Bleed classes on a quarterly basis, which are free to Post members and offered for a fee to non-members. These classes are part of a larger program spearheaded by Cragg to “provide classes and support to the Palisades community related to community emergency preparedness.”

This includes HAM radio licensing, drone pilot certification, first aid and advanced medical classes, women’s self defense classes, and more. Cragg said additional details will be announced on the website.

For more information, visit alpost283.com.