Photo By Spc. Cal Turner | Albany, Oregon, native Sgt. Jedidiah Ayers, a trauma medic of the Riva Ridge Medical...... read more read more
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By Spc. L.B. Edgar,
7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
FORWARD OPERATING BASE CONSTITUTION, Iraq – When the victims started to arrive at the Riva Ridge Medical Clinic on Camp Liberty, all 17 needed medical attention. All 17 were saved. All 17 were Iraqi army troops.
With a multitude of crushing injuries and shrapnel wounds to treat, the staff of the clinic frantically treated the patients. When the pace slowed and the patients were all stable, the medical team could relax.
The mass casualty incident occurred Dec. 14, 2006. On that day, Soldiers of Company C, 299th Forward Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, treated human beings based on their medical needs, not their uniform, said Sgt. Victor Banks, a radiology sergeant with Co. C.
Two of the 17 Iraqis required further attention and had to be medically evacuated. Fifteen others were stabilized and released from the clinic, said the native of Moorehead City, N.C.
The Iraqi army troops were victims of a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device and a suicide vest, which simultaneously detonated. The troops were repairing a school when the attack occurred. The structure collapsed and the soldiers needed treatment fast, Banks said.
While the drama unfolded, another Iraqi army troop was in the clinic for a dental appointment. While the clinic's staff triaged its patients, the Iraqi troop in need of dental assistance had to be rescheduled. Interested in the clinic's pressing challenge, the soldier observed the amazing treatment of his fellow Iraqi army soldiers, said his commander, Brig. Gen. Nassir, the brigade commander for 3rd Brigade, 6th Iraqi army Division.
Nassir caught word of how the American Soldiers at Riva Ridge Medical Clinic diligently treated his troops. Consequently he felt compelled to express his gratitude, he said.
Nassir was able to thank eight members of the staff who treated his wounded soldiers, when he hosted a dinner replete with tea, Iraqi cuisine and cigars Feb. 12.
Banks, who worked on the wounded troops, said he was just doing his job.
"We're here to show our support for these guys. We're going to work on Iraqis and Americans the same," he said.
The equal treatment of Soldiers, regardless of affiliation, is what impressed Nassir, said Col. Kenneth Stone, team chief for 3rd Bde, 6th IA Military Transition Team.
"Gen. Nassir just wanted to thank the American Soldiers for their excellent treatment of Iraqi Soldiers," said the native of Warr Acres, Okla.
There are also 17 thankful Iraqi troops, who made it through two explosions thanks to the medical staff of Riva Ridge Medical Clinic.
| Date Taken: | 02.15.2007 |
| Date Posted: | 02.15.2007 08:44 |
| Story ID: | 9148 |
| Location: |
| Web Views: | 355 |
| Downloads: | 202 |
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