ISF, Iraqi Emergency Response Unit first to graduate ‘Thunderhorse’ Emergency Medical Technician course

United States Division-North
Courtesy Story

Date: 03.03.2011
Posted: 03.23.2011 09:17
News ID: 67587
ISF, Iraqi Emergency Response Unit first to graduate ‘Thunderhorse’ Emergency Medical Technician course

Spc. Kandi Huggins

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – “I’m proud to call every one of you my colleague,” said 1st Lt. Jordan King, platoon leader of the “Thunderhorse” medics assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, attached to 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, from Fort Riley, Kan., acknowledging the achievements of 38 men in front of him.

“It’s been a pleasure working with you and I look forward to our strong partnership,” King continued at a graduation ceremony honoring members of Kirkuk province’s Iraqi police, Emergency Response Unit and fire departments.

The graduation ceremony concluded the four-week training, the first Emergency Medical Technician course held at Kirkuk Training Center in Iraq, Feb. 28.

During the month-long course, U.S. troops mentored Iraqi police officers, first responders and fire fighters with the purpose of increasing Iraqi security forces’ medical proficiency when responding to emergencies.

The training centered on evacuations, tactical combat casualty care and emergency medicine, said King, a Hudson, Ohio native

“This course was an improvement from the previous EMT training of the various emergency response units, because it was completely Iraqi-ran,” said King. “We used Iraqi supplies, conducted the training at their training center and the instruction came from the Iraqis.”

King said his primary responsibility was to advise the instructors, assist with planning and supervise training.

“We need this training in all the centers throughout the city, but for now I’m thankful we have proficient members of the ISF to promote this city’s safety and security,” he said.

During the ceremony, ISF students watched a video highlighting training during the four-week course, which was supervised by medics of 2nd Bn., 12th Cav. Regt., deployed as part of U.S. Division-North in support of Operation New Dawn.

The video featured ISF emergency services personnel conducting training exercises and working together as a unit, practicing emergency medical care to increase their proficiency with the newly acquired knowledge.

The Iraqi emergency service personnel received good training that will make ISF more proficient in providing the city with security and safety, said Brig. Gen. Kawa, dean of the Police Training Center.

“I am thankful to Gen. Jamal for his advice and cooperation as well as the coalition forces for this training,” said Kawa.

Kawa continued his praise of the graduates who received hands-on training from the U.S. forces and the joint cooperation between the various ISF, who work to maintain the peace in the city of Kirkuk.

“We are all here to help our families and our community,” explained Kawa in both Arabic and Kurdish. “What you’ve learned, pass it on to the public—to our brothers and other members of the IP.”

Concluding the ceremony, Kawa and King presented the EMT graduates with certificates of completion and combat lifesaver bags complete with fresh medical supplies.

During the ceremony, King thanked the instructors for their dedication and the new EMT graduates for a job well done.