Life-saving allies: Polish, US medics train together during Atlantic Resolve

Photo By Maj. Spencer Garrison | A Polish army medic packs up equipment inside an Iveco "S" military ambulance after demonstrating medical evacuation procedures for U.S. Army medics during their second day of joint training July 3, 2015, at Nowa Deba Training Area in southern Poland. Having just arrived for a three-month training rotation, these soldiers from Poland’s 6th Airborne Brigade and the U.S. Army’s P Troop, 4th Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment spent much of the day getting acquainted with each other and learning about their different medical equipment and procedures. The soldiers are part of Atlantic Resolve, an ongoing multinational partnership focused on joint training and security cooperation between NATO allies. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Spencer Garrison)  

NOWA DEBA, POLAND

07.02.2015

Story by Capt. Spencer Garrison 

7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

NOWA DEBA, Poland - Medics from the Polish and U.S. armies are coming together at Nowa Deba Training Area in southern Poland to support each other in the vital business of saving lives.

With their units just arriving for a three-month training rotation, which officially kicked off July 2, these soldiers from Poland’s 6th Airborne Brigade and the U.S. Army’s 4th Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment spent much of that day getting acquainted with each other and learning about their different medical vehicles and equipment.

Both the American and Polish medical teams expressed excitement about connecting with and learning from each other over the next few months as they participate in Atlantic Resolve, an ongoing multinational partnership focused on joint training and security cooperation between NATO allies.

It’s something special, noted U.S. Army Spc. Brandon Sturgeon, “building relationships with someone from the same trade but who happens to be from a different country.”

Sturgeon, a native of Stuttgart, Germany, and senior line medic for P Troop, 4th Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, is part of a team that provides immediate life-saving medical care for soldiers on the battlefield.

Meanwhile, their counterparts from the Polish medical team share that same mission, just not the same exact systems and procedures.

The differences make for valuable learning opportunities for both teams, explained Polish Starszy Kapral (senior corporal) Krzysztof Domarecki, senior paramedic for 16th Battalion, 6th Airborne Brigade.

“It’s good for both us and the Americans to learn new ways of doing things,” Domarecki said. “Our armies work together, so it’s important that we know each other and how we operate.”

Their similarities and differences were on display as the U.S. and Polish soldiers toured each other’s vehicles and medical equipment.

First, the U.S. soldiers introduced their Polish allies to the M1133 Medical Evacuation Vehicle, a battlefield ambulance variant of the Stryker armored vehicle. Its strengths include protection against small arms and machine gun fire, plus all-terrain mobility with its eight rugged run-flat tires.

“We’re airborne paratroopers, so we don’t have heavy armored vehicles like the American Stryker,” Domarecki explained, “but it’s interesting to see it and learn their similarities and differences to Polish vehicles.”

Next, it was the Poles’ turn to showcase their own equipment – namely the Iveco “S” military ambulance. With its lighter weight and capacity for four litters, including two with hydraulic-lift and a wheeled stretcher, the paratroopers’ ambulance emphasizes speed and portability. Plus it can integrate with civilian first responders.

The Polish soldiers also laid out their medical kitbags, showing the Americans how they’re equipped for their life-saving duties.

“It’s great to see how passionate these guys are about their profession,” said U.S. Army Pfc. Thomas Combs, a P Troop medic from Sebastian, Florida. “They were really excited to show us their stuff.”

The Americans and Polish expressed enthusiasm about learning from one another.

“It’s nice to see how other countries set their stuff up. It gives you ideas for how to better your own setup,” said U.S. Army Spc. Jonathan Hamilton, another P Troop medic and a native of Escondido, California.

Domarecki noted that as their joint training continues over the next few months, his Polish team looks forward to sharing knowledge and experience with their U.S. partners.

“We’ll know how the Americans use their vehicles and equipment, then we will see what we can learn and also show them how we operate,” he said.

Even with the differences in their equipment and procedures, these Polish and U.S. medics find they’re united by a common mission, and already they’re developing strong bonds as fellow soldiers and medical professionals.

“They may have different systems and protocols,” said U.S. Army Pfc. Devonte Kee, a medic from Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, “but no matter our differences in how we operate, we all have the same intentions – saving lives.”

• Date Taken: 07.02.2015
• Date Posted: 07.03.2015 10:29
• Story ID: 169032
• Location: NOWA DEBA, PL