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    Iraqi River Patrol get first aid refresher

    Iraqi River Patrol get first aid refresher

    Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Jared Gehmann | Iraqi policemen apply a field dressing to the neck of a simulated patient during a...... read more read more

    BAGHDAD, IRAQ

    03.07.2011

    Story by Pfc. Jared Gehmann 

    10th Press Camp Headquarters

    BAGHDAD – Soldiers taught a group of experienced Baghdad River Patrol Policemen new life saving techniques during a hands-on training exercise, March 7, at Forward Operating Base Prosperity.

    Healthcare specialists assigned to the 547th Area Support Medical Company began the class with an instructional period where they showed examples of different life saving procedures.

    “At first I showed them some basic first aid treatments, but they seemed to do really well on those and know them already, so I decided to teach them some more advanced stuff,” said Sgt. Jonathan Strand, of Anaheim, Calif., a healthcare non-commissioned officer assigned to the 547th ASMC.

    After Strand explained the step-by-step procedures, the Baghdad River Patrol Policeman began the hands-on exercises. The practice included hemorrhage control and how to stop a sucking chest wound, as well as different types of tourniquets and pressure dressings that can be used while in the field.

    The members of the river patrol completed a majority of the training with ease.

    “I was surprised at how efficiently they finished the hands-on part,” said Strand.

    The students completed the events in a timely manner because they had previous training in the United States.

    “Many of us officers have already taken an in-depth first aid class, which was instructed by the military in Mississippi, in 2006,” said 1st Lt. Layth, an Iraqi police officer assigned to the Baghdad River Patrol.

    Although the officers previously knew most of the skills being taught, they still found the class to be beneficial and spoke of its relevance.

    “The advanced medical training today added to our basic skills. It’s important that we as leaders perfect these abilities for two reasons. The first reason is that we need to be able to save a comrade’s life in combat if they are badly wounded. The second is that we need to pass these skills on to our new recruits and other policemen so they will be able to save each other in combat,” said Layth.

    Layth also said he was thankful for being able to attend the class and looks forward to continuing the partnership the Iraqi police have with the U.S. Army.

    That partnership is growing ever more important, especially now, as U.S. troop numbers in Iraq, have decreased to about 50,000. Strand stressed the importance of medical training as the Iraqi Security Forces continue to protect their country.

    “Without medical personnel and first aid training you won’t have a police force or an Army. If you keep losing guys over simple and treatable wounds, the force can’t keep up its strength. Training like this is paramount to the lasting stability of Iraq. You have to practice, practice, practice,” said Strand.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 03.07.2011
    Date Posted: 03.08.2011 01:46
    Story ID: 66659
    Location: BAGHDAD, IQ

    Web Views: 144
    Downloads: 2

    PUBLIC DOMAIN