Drilling Iraqi police on core medic skills

Photo By Staff Sgt. Ruth McClary | Hamid Matrood assesses a casualty during a medic's training exercise at Forward Operating Base Falcon, Oct. 6.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

10.09.2009

Story by Spc. Ruth McClary 

30th Armored Brigade Combat Team

BAGHDAD — Sounds from an explosion erupt as a call for medics blares from loud speakers.
This sends Iraqi police running to respond to victims of an improvised bomb during a training exercise at Forward Operating Base Falcon, here, Oct. 6.

Eighteen Iraqi federal police officers of the 1st Mechanized Brigade attended the first organized medic's training implemented into their curriculum with the medics of Company C, 230th Brigade Support Battalion, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team; better known as "Charlie Med."

"The federal police have done a lot of training with Maj. Leigh Shakir, the Mechanized Brigade Surgeon," said Sgt. Alex Norman, the 6010th Federal Police Transition Team's medical advisor. "A lot of this training may be redundant, but it's better to go back over it."

The two-day training course, held at the U.S. base south of the capital, began with classroom instruction and basic patient assessment demonstrations, and then progressed to the officers taking on the role of medics in a tactical environment.

Shakir said the officers usually receive bi-monthly medical training that is on par with American standards, except they lack the use of training aids such as pressure dressings, and tourniquets.
U.S. medics ran through the lane first; giving the officers a visual guide on juggling the application of patient assessment, the order of treatment for the five victims, removing casualties, teamwork and maintaining a safe perimeter throughout the scenario.

"If you know anything about Charlie Med, when we train we take it seriously," said Sgt. 1st Class Barbara Campbell. "Every day there is training here, usually taught by one of the medics in either trauma or medical aid. It's hard work but it's worth it."

The Federal officers split into teams; each running the lane as the others observed. Charlie Med medics and Soldiers of 6010th Federal Police Transition Team, who were on hand throughout the scenario, nudged the officers along, reminding them of time, teamwork and quick assessment tips as they worked through the lane.

A native Pfc. Mike Lovette, of Fayetteville, N.C., asked the Iraqi officers questions to keep them on track during the scenario.

Is this a life threatening injury? Have you checked his vital signs; is the patient going into shock?
Haider Ali, an Iraqi federal officer with some experience in basic medical treatments, was impressed with the realistic aspects of the training, especially with the weight of one of the casualties.

"The training was very practical. The guy we pulled to safety was very heavy; so, I'm very tired now, but it was good training."

Sgt. 1st Class Gerard Thomas, of Fayetteville, N.C., cast as a casualty during the scenario, summed up the training, as he removed a fake stomach casing with intestines oozing out.
"This was a great experience for the Iraqi police officers, but it definitely was a great experience for us too."

• Date Taken: 10.09.2009
• Date Posted: 10.09.2009 03:15
• Story ID: 39866
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ