By 1st Lt. Jovany Munoz
Task Force 44 Medical Command Public Affairs Office
CAMP VICTORY, Iraq - Seven Iraqi soldiers and Task Force 56 Multi-functional Medical Battalion participated in a maintenance training exercise at Camp Liberty Dec. 29, 2008 through Jan. 1, 2009 as part of the Iraq Partnership Program. This program is designed to improve their ability to operate and repair specific medical equipment.
Members of the Iraqi army who participated in the training were 1st Lt. Amjed Naji Radhi, 2nd Lt. Thakwan Adil Ab Raaeem, Chief Warrant Officer Feris Reases, Warrant Officer Ali Muthna, Sgt. Mohammed Kaleed Azeez, Pfc. Saeef Ali Abeed, and Pvt. Ayhab Muhammead Saewan, and Soldiers from the 551st Medical Logistics Company, who provided and supervised the training.
The IA soldiers were trained on how to conduct maintenance on the Propaq 206 EL vital signs monitor and to troubleshoot any identified faults that would make the device non-mission capable.
The Propaq Encore 206 EL system is a vital signs monitor used in medical emergencies for all types of patients and displays the necessary vital signs needed for medical staff to both treat and observe patients.
The Propaq Encore 206 EL is an approved medical device that can be used on ambulances and aircrafts or a fixed medical facility. This particular device costs around $17, 500 each and can improve the IA medical system when Iraqi ground forces are responding to medical emergencies.
Previously, the Iraqis, as part of the partnership program, received training from the 551st Med on electrocardiograph monitors, defibrillators and other medical devices to help them fully understand how to use the medical equipment and the correct TMDE to test and repair the equipment correctly.
The IA responded well to the training they received by the 551st Med, one Iraqi soldier said. "We received good information about fixing medical equipment" said 2nd Lt. Raaeem. "Before, we didn't know how to fix the equipment, and now we know how."