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    Spartan medical Afghan national army readiness training program advances medical knowledge of Afghan military

    BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AFGHANISTAN

    03.10.2009

    Story by Spc. Melissa Stewart 

    Combined Joint Task Force 101

    BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan soldiers are saving lives on the battlefield thanks to some valuable training from 10th Mountain Division medics.

    Charlie Company, 710th Brigade Support Battalion, Task Force Spartan, 10th Mtn. Div. medics trained soldiers and medics from the 5th Kandak Support Battalion, Afghan national army, in tactical field medicine in the Spartan medical Afghan national army readiness training program.

    Although many of the medics attending the program have had prior medical training, the ANA had no standard first aid training for their soldiers. According to Army Sgt. Amanda Marion, medical training non-commissioned officer in charge, 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, the goal of the program is to provide basic combat life saver training for ANA soldiers and more advanced training for medics and doctors.

    "The U.S. has learned a great deal in the course of our conflict about battlefield trauma and the things which injure and kill Soldiers most on the battle field," said Army Maj. Matthew Pantsari, 710th BSB surgeon. "We've been able to use that knowledge and share it with them."

    The classes are conducted with interpreters who speak either Dari or Pashtu. The ANA soldiers go through a six-day course that includes a wide variety of medical training; starting with basic hygiene and disease prevention and then moves on to tactical treatment of casualties. Afghan medics and doctors continue training and learn more in-depth treatment methods.

    "They have learned preventative medicine on the battle field; simple things like hand hygiene and dental hygiene; things that contribute to disease and non-battle injuries," said Pantsari. "As the week progressed we went into field care; if a soldier is injured, the type of care that's appropriate at the point of injury. Then we transitioned to tactical field care, then we take that care one step beyond to a level one or two treatment facility."

    In the final training lane, soldiers performed what they had learned in a simulated "treatment under-fire" situation while they were observed by instructors. First they had to retrieve a casualty from a vehicle that had been damaged in combat. They are taught all they can do with a casualty under fire is apply a tourniquet.

    The soldiers then carried the casualty to a "secure location" where medics could perform tactical field care, including basic treatment of injuries and administering an intravenous tube. Soldiers had to work quickly, just like they were in a real combat situation. Finally they had to evacuate the casualty to a level one or two treatment center, where medics and doctors gave further treatment to the casualty.

    The SMART program has not only provided ANA with standardized first aid training, but it has also helped build working relationships and close friendships.

    "One of the most heartwarming things that has come out of training is the close friendships that have been formed between the Spartans and the 5th Kandak," said Pantsari. "We have enjoyed many cups of tea, many games of cards after the training was done. It's developing more than just a collegial relationship, it's a friendship."

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 03.10.2009
    Date Posted: 03.10.2009 09:45
    Story ID: 30947
    Location: BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF

    Web Views: 458
    Downloads: 432

    PUBLIC DOMAIN