FALST Firearms and Lifesaving Techniques

FALST brings the same firearms and medical training used by the Army, Marine Corps, and Navy into civilian courses. Founded by Elbert Gonzalez—a Fleet Marine Force Corpsman who deployed to Afghanistan with the 3rd Combat Engineer Battalion—the academy combines his military experience with ongoing service as an Active Guard Reserve instructor with the Army National Guard's 1-153rd Cavalry Battalion.

Firearms Training - Pistol courses based on military standards - Rifle training following Army and Marine Corps protocols - Tactical fundamentals for civilian self-defense

Medical Emergency & First Aid - Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) for gunshot wounds - Tourniquet application and hemorrhage control - Airway management and breathing techniques - Fracture treatment and bone stabilization - Burn treatment and casualty assessment - Pressure point identification and transport procedures - Head injury and concussion evaluation

Gonzalez's approach addresses a real gap: "Gun free zones are just easier targets for mass shooters. Teachers and school staff without training or protection are easier targets. We should all know these basic medical skills." FALST actively supports training teachers, staff, and families on both firearms safety and life-saving medical response.

Gonzalez completed advanced emergency medical training at LAC-USC before his Afghanistan deployment, where he worked in cadaver labs, burn units, and emergency rooms. He also trained in organ procurement and tissue recovery. Beyond his military service, he holds a degree in Math and Natural Sciences with additional studies in Anatomy, Physiology, Medical Terminology, and Microbiology.

The mission is straightforward: educate individuals on firearms handling and medical emergency techniques for protection, safety, and prevention. Training is available for all ages—kids, teens, adults, and families can learn confidence-building techniques that apply to real emergencies.