Royal Army, ANA partner to improve medical capabilities

CAMP LEATHERNECK, AFGHANISTAN

11.27.2010

Story by Cpl. Brian Gabriel Jr. 

Regional Command Southwest

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — Royal Army and Afghan National Army soldiers are working together to boost the medical capabilities of ANA medics working at Forward Operating Base Shawqat, Nad-E-Ali, Afghanistan.

Royal Army medical personnel working at FOB Shawqat are currently mentoring the 215th Corps’ 1st Kandak ANA medics, advising them on medical skills ranging from treating common ailments to performing combat trauma. Whenever the Afghan medics receive a patient needing care, their British counterparts are nearby, offering advice and guidance on the appropriate treatment.

“Most mornings, unless we have some operations going on, we see what patients are presented at the Afghan medical facility,” said Sgt. Mick Potts, a medic with 16 Medical Regiment, Royal Army Medical Corps. “When the Afghans are able to run the sick bay by themselves, we let them, but if not, I’ll intervene or assist them in any way they need.”

Potts, a Sheffield, England resident, stressed the importance of having partnerships, like the ones found at FOB Shawqat, in places across Afghanistan. Having high-quality medical support not only improves the morale of the troops working in the camp, but also improves the soldiers’ mentality when working in the field.

“When the Afghans know they’ve got a medical facility that they know they can rely on, it is much easier for them to prepare to take the fight to the enemy,” Potts said. “They know they’ll be well looked after by their guys and evacuated to a safe place.”

Sgt. Abdul Ghafar, an ANA medic with the 1st Kandak, said he is especially grateful for the medical facilities the International Security Assistance Force has provided for FOB Shawqat medics. The ANA have access to their own sick bay, stocked with medical equipment and supplies that allow them to treat most combat-related injuries.

“In addition to constantly training us, our advisors have provided us with our own medical facility,” Ghafar said. “We are take care of more patients now and provide better treatment for them.”

Sgt. Matallah, an ANA medic with the 1st Kandak, echoed Ghafar’s feelings on having access to functioning medical facilities.

“It is extremely important that the ANA at FOB Shawqat have medical facilities,” Matallah said. “Even though I believe I have great skills as a medic, good treatment for the soldiers depends a lot on the facilities and equipment we can use.”

• Date Taken: 11.27.2010
• Date Posted: 11.30.2010 23:11
• Story ID: 61137
• Location: CAMP LEATHERNECK, AF