Medics share experiences, receive lesson in return
Tikrit, Iraq – Much has been said about the importance of top-tier military medicine to the survival of Soldiers in combat. Regardless of which country a Soldier serves for, quality medics are valued by the troops. Studies show that if critically wounded Soldiers receive quality health care within the first hour after the incident, they will have the best probability of survival.
Medics from 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division and 3rd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 4th Iraqi Army Division got together on February 17th to train together and compare notes on several very effective life-saving techniques. This joint training took place in the Todacheene Aid Station on Forward Operating Base Paliwoda, just outside of Balad, Iraq.
The training was intended to be focused on improving the skills of the Iraqi Army medics in attendance, but ended up being a valuable lesson for all involved.
Staff Sgt. Kevin O’Brien, a medic for 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, was the primary trainer for the day’s lessons, and he was accompanied by the local Military Transition Team medic, Sgt. 1st Class Robert Stevens. Using the valuable lessons acquired through real-world experiences in the field, O’Brien began the training with a discussion of the human airway and the various techniques medics can employ to keep that airway open in a severe trauma situation. This type of discussion was welcomed since a blocked air passageway frequently occurs in a shooting or an improvised explosive device attack.
Without hesitation, one of the Iraqi Army medics, Muhammad, chimed in with an in-depth explanation of different techniques and procedures for maintaining an open air passageway. Soon, the discussion turned from a class, into an open dialogue between peer health-care providers.
The depth and breadth of the IA medics’ knowledge and experience made the time together beneficial for all participants.
“I was very impressed at the knowledge of the Iraqi medics,” said O’Brien.
Stevens added, “They’re always excited about learning, and they know a lot more than you think.”
It was later learned that Muhammad spent over 12 years working in the emergency trauma center at a major hospital in Baghdad. Like most emergency rooms in major metropolitan areas, Muhammad was faced with numerous traumatic injuries that he was in the position to treat. This again reinforced that there is nothing more beneficial than real-world experience.
The sudden turn in the classroom environment created a relaxed atmosphere where all participants, American and Iraqi, could interact, compare notes and even poke fun at each other.
The day’s training culminated with handshakes, hugs, and a photographic memento of their time together. As the IA medics left for the day, echoes of “Shukran, shukran!”, or, “Thank you, thank you!” filled the air.
O’Brien summed up the training with a positive assessment of his Iraqi counterparts. “These guys are motivated and eager to learn whatever they can to become more effective,” he said.
These types of joint training experiences will benefit the Soldiers who find themselves under these medics’ watchful care. As American trainers continue to work with their Iraqi counterparts, confidence will grow as the Iraqi Security Forces assume more responsibility for their own security needs and the needs of the Iraqi people.
