ANA conducts hands-on medical training during patrol

CAMP LEATHERNECK, AFGHANISTAN

01.27.2011

Story by Lance Cpl. Mark Garcia 

Regional Command Southwest

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Afghan National Army soldiers conducted hands-on medical training during a simulated foot patrol here, Jan. 27.

The training was the capstone of a Joint Security Academy Southwest medical course. The soldiers had to assess casualties and carry them back to where they began. The foot patrol was designed to see how the soldiers would perform in a stressful environment.

“We’re trying to make the training as realistic as possible by creating a stress level, so in a real life environment they’ll be able to conduct themselves in a professional manner,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class John Noble, 26, from Redlands, Calif., a hospital corpsman at JSAS and an instructor for the medical course.

Noble said in the beginning of the course the students would shut down when the stress level got too high, but now they are learning how to deal with the stress and perform as combat medics.

“Before coming to this course, I had some experience as a medic, but now with this training I’m able to perform treatment on patients faster and I have more knowledge on how to treat patients in combat situations,” said Seayad Gawad, 21, from Herat province, who has the highest test scores in his class.

The corpsman said he expects the soldiers to go to their home units and teach the soldiers there the basics of being a combat medic. In addition, Gawad sees advantages beyond the ANA.

“I will be able to take this training and not only help soldiers but also help civilians who might be too far away to get medical help from the cities,” said Gawad.

• Date Taken: 01.27.2011
• Date Posted: 01.28.2011 11:07
• Story ID: 64385
• Location: CAMP LEATHERNECK, AF