MANILA, Philippines - Medics, nurses, doctors and infantry soldiers from the Philippine Army met with 18th Medical Command (Deployment Support) and Tripler Army Medical Center medical soldiers in the first U.S. Army Pacific and Philippine army medical first responder subject matter expert exchange, here, Sept. 17-21.
“The medical first responder course is, the medic, a bridge between the injured soldier on the ground to the hospital,” said Master Sgt. Rodney Cowden, combat medic, 18th Medical Command (Deployment Support), U.S. Army Pacific.
Cowden went on the say that the course consists of an overview of what medical first responding is, tactical combat casualty care, liter carries, maneuvers and trauma lanes.
The event is held for the first time in Manila, Philippines, at the Philippine Army Headquarters in Fort Andres Bonifacio, Metro Manila. U.S. Army medical personnel teamed up with their Philippine counterparts to exchange information about U.S. Army medical training and instructing techniques, including applying bandages and tourniquets. The group then discussed and reviewed the current Philippine army medical program to develop a common standard for teaching medical techniques throughout the Philippine army.
“This was a good exchange of information, and I think it will help develop their (the Philippine army’s) first responder course,” said Sgt. Maj. David Galati, chief clinical operations sergeant major, 18th Medical Command (Deployment Support), U.S. Army Pacific.
Galati explained how the medical first responder and subject matter expert exchange course is at the highest level - meaning the general and chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines are involved and will review recommendations from the event - of change for the Philippine Army and that it will help their military focus on developing training objectives and a single medical first responder course that will benefit the entire army.
“Your active participation in the workshop will help us come up with innovations to make our training more effective and responsive to the needs of our personnel in the combat theater and other emergency scenarios,” said Maj. Gen. Maximo G. Caro, chief of staff, Philippine Army.
He went on to say that the Philippine Army is happy to know that the U.S. Army remains a strong partner in training and education like this.
Staff Sgt. Rene Huliganga, ranger, special operations command, Philippine Army stated, “All Philippine army rangers are combat lifesaver qualified, this (the medical first responder course subject matter expert exchange) will incorporate lifesaving skills to all Philippine Army soldiers.”