Caring for Afghanistan, one injured child at a time

CAMP PHOENIX, AFGHANISTAN

10.06.2008

Courtesy Story

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO

By Air Force Lt. Col. Leslie Pratt
American Forces Network Afghanistan

CAMP PHOENIX, Afghanistan -- The troop medical clinic at Camp Phoenix evokes images of the 70's TV show, "M*A*S*H". All the stark theatrical elements are there – personality, humor, human drama and a keen sense of duty. Except, the Soldiers, Airmen and Sailors at the TMC aren't acting. And the casualties are all too real.

Airman 1st Class Rebekah Crawford relishes the camaraderie and spirit of her team. And, she depends on it.

"We're a unique crowd here," she said. "We're from all branches and come from all over the country, but we all have a common goal. So, when we focus our energy, we make amazing things happen. Are we making a difference here? You bet."

The primary mission is troop medical care in direct combat support of Task Force Phoenix Soldiers who patrol much of central Afghanistan. But, Crawford and her team also spend much of their 'space available' time caring for Afghan kids with traumatic injuries.

"We have kids come in almost daily and we're authorized to treat life, limb and eyesight-threatening injuries," she said. "That's exactly what we do."

Sometimes the work is heart wrenching and emotional. The TMC often treats disfiguring burns.

"After the first time I treated a burned child, I went back to my hut and had a good cry," Crawford explained. "I really like helping out the kids and it's easy to grow really fond of them because we have to sort of share their pain."

She explained burn injuries are especially painful compared to other types of trauma due to the prominence of nerve endings in the epidermis of the skin. Among the many complications associated with burns is the susceptibility to life-threatening infections.

"Burns are deadly and require a lot of care and attention," she said.

Like the crews of many combat support medical outfits, Task Force Phoenix medics often venture into unorthodox areas and perform procedures which might normally be done by nurses or physicians in traditional stateside environments.

"We don't necessarily practice medicine or anything like that, but it gets pretty hectic here sometimes and it's an all-hand-on-deck team effort," Crawford explained while cleaning herself up. "It requires us to develop a skill set pretty quickly and the Army does a great job of training us."

She had just assisted a physician and three other technicians with the task of debreeding the arms, legs and stomach of a 4-year-old boy with second-degree burns of more than 60 percent of his body.

During the extremely painful debreeding procedure, she managed to comfort the small boy with encouragement and kindness. After the skin was removed the medics administered a sterile wash in the austere conditions of the hot and dusty hut. She then assisted with the application of soothing cream designed to provide a protective barrier and promote healing of the exposed tissues – just as soothing and cool as the thickly applied ointment was her tenderly applied compassion.

"Kids need to see confidence and get assurance from us," she said. "They need to know someone cares."

For their strength and sanity, the medics must erect a permeable but rigid wall between themselves and their kids.

"You can't separate yourself from the situation, and you have to feel for that child." Crawford explained. "On the other hand, you can't become too attached, especially not knowing what's in store for these kids when we walk them to the gate and release them.

"It's very difficult to know the eventual outcome of many cases," she said. "Hopefully they come back, and many do. We often get hugs and kisses. That's when we get our true reward and see the contributions we're making here."

Saddened by what she had just seen, Crawford was also encouraged and upbeat.

"We saved his life and this little guy can now grow up," she said. "He could be known for greatness in his country some day. You never know."

She wiped away a tear, a 'Ctrl-Alt Del' for her emotions and her professional decorum. Her mentally exhausted teammates also gathered themselves and pitched in. Smiles soon returned to everyone's face.

Like the 4077th characters in M*A*S*H, Crawford and the rest of the Camp Phoenix TMC gang miss their kids, homes and families. Yet, they soldier on here despite nearly daily encounters with suffering and pain.

Selflessly giving lifesaving care and compassion are the story lines for every episode of TF Phoenix, T*M*C.

• Date Taken: 10.06.2008
• Date Posted: 10.06.2008 01:40
• Story ID: 24549
• Location: CAMP PHOENIX, AF