Australian, US forces apply first aid to Talisman Sabre 15

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Sinthia Rosario | Australian army medics give simulated medical care to a U.S. Army officer during an airway breathing circulation class, near Rockhampton, Australia, July 10. Talisman Sabre is a biennial exercise that provides an invaluable opportunity for nearly 30,000 U.S. and Australian defense forces to conduct operations in a combined, joint and interagency environment that will increase both countries’ ability to plan and execute a full range of operations from combat missions to humanitarian assistance efforts. (U.S. Army photos by Sgt. Sinthia Rosario, 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)  

SHOALWATER BAY, QLD, AUSTRALIA

07.12.2015

Story by Sgt. Sinthia Rosario 

5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment   

ROCKHAMPTON, Australia — Expert, practiced medical care saves lives on the battlefield and is one of the most important support functions during combat operations.

The Australian Defence Force’s 1st Close Health Battalion routinely rehearses medical treatment scenarios to keep their skills sharp and

Talisman Sabre 15 is giving them a unique opportunity to conduct that practice in a combined environment, where coordination is key.

“We ran through airway breathing circulation and at the same time we were monitoring the patient and provided intravenous fluids if needed,” said Australian army Capt. Bradley Fitzwater, a medical officer with 1st Close Health Battalion. “It’s generally the same pattern that we run with each trauma patient. It keeps it simple and the whole team knows the plan.”

U.S Army Capt. Omar Alens, a liaison officer with 6th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, and simulated patient during the training, was lying on the litter bed as the Australian army medics reacted to his simulated injuries.

“I felt the [Australian army] knew what they were doing, they were very professional and everything seemed as it should be,” Alens said. “I feel confident in the care they provided. I think that both the Australians and Americans working as one can have a positive effect.”

Members of the 1st Close Health Battalion had the opportunity to learn about the practices used by U.S. Army medical professionals as they prepared for an airborne operation that inserted more than 400 paratroopers into Talisman Sabre 15.

“It’s great to see the medical skills and the equipment that the U.S. Army brought, and I’m glad to work in conjunction with them,” said Fitzwater.

“It’s also great to see the airdrop and see the dynamic between the two teams and how it provided a really efficient health support service.”

Although the U.S. and Australia have a lot in common when it comes to the medical care they provide, Talisman Sabre 15 will help uniformed medical professionals from both nations understand key differences and how they can work together.

“They have different protocols with drug management, different forms of communications. This is certainly going to be handy for working with them in the future,” Fitzwater said. “It’s been great to learn a little bit about what they can do and what they can offer for health support.”

As Talisman Sabre 15 continues, both U.S. and Australian service members will have more opportunities to conduct operations in a combined, joint and interagency environment.

“I think the most important part is interoperability, Australia is a close ally to the U.S. and building that bond between the U.S. makes them better and stronger as a coalition,” Alen said.

• Date Taken: 07.12.2015
• Date Posted: 07.13.2015 02:22
• Story ID: 169828
• Location: SHOALWATER BAY, QLD, AU