Afghan police, coalition troops aid boy injured in farm accident

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

12.21.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan – Coalition troops and Afghan National Policemen based in Helmand province recently saved the life of a local boy injured in an accident.

The national police and their coalition colleagues acted when a man brought his 15-year-old son, Payda, to Protrol Base Attal with a serious head injury. While working in his father’s field, a water pump broke and a piece of metal from the pump had become lodged in his skull.

Afghan police officers and coalition troops moved Payda into the company aid post, where he received first aid from Lance Cpl. Graham Maloney, a combat medical technician with the Royal Army Medical Corps, currently attached to the 5th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland.

Once the boy was stabilized, he was evacuated to the city of Lashkar Gah where Afghan civilian medics took over his care.

“We have one of the only medical facilities along Route 601 and locals who suffer serious injuries know that we will assist them in getting the appropriate medical care,” Maloney said. “But they wouldn’t come to us if they didn’t trust us and, more importantly, the Afghan police we work alongside.”

Since the incident, the boy is recovering well.

“When my son was injured by the water pump, I knew it was serious and that the patrol base was the only place where we could get help,” said Sada Mohammed, the boy’s father. “Thanks to God that they have helped my son and taken him to the hospital. We are very grateful to everyone who helped.”

• Date Taken: 12.21.2010
• Date Posted: 12.21.2010 07:33
• Story ID: 62389
• Location: KABUL, AF