Courtesy Photo | Spc. Christopher Turner, Task Force Warrior security forces medic, was awarded an Army...... read more read more
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By U.S. Army Sgt. Sean Finch
Combined Joint Task Force - 101
BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan - A medic with Task Force Warrior Security Forces was awarded an Army Achievement Medal, Jan. 30, for his calm under pressure and outstanding performance while treating his injured comrades during an improvised explosive device strike.
On Dec. 29, U.S. Army Spc. Christopher Turner arrived on the scene shortly after a vehicle borne IED detonated near U.S. forces in Charikar, Afghanistan. His fellow Soldiers were in dire need of medical help and 'Doc' Turner rose to the occasion.
Without hesitation, Turner assumed control as the senior medic on ground and began to assess casualties, administer treatment and prepare for ground evacuation.
"He applied reinforced bandages and dressings to Soldiers with severe shrapnel wounds to the head, hand and face. He also treated an injured gunner for severe burns," said U.S. Army 1st. Lt. Brian Capra, SECFOR platoon leader.
In addition, Turner administered fluids intravenously and continued treatment during the entire ground evacuation back to Bagram Air Field, Capra said.
During the course of the evacuation, Turner relayed valuable information to the tactical operation center, giving the emergency room time to prepare for the arrival of casualties, all the while remaining calm and in control of the situation.
"Turner is without a doubt one of the best medics I have ever had the honor to serve with. He is more tactically and technically proficient than most of his peers," said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Daniel Davenport, TF Warrior SECFOR squad leader.
"If you're ever in a 'bad way', 'Doc' Turner is the medic you want to look up and see working on you," said Davenport.
Another SECFOR non-commissioned officer, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Gabriel Castillo said that 'Doc' Turner is a 'stellar performer' .
"This guy even reads medical journals in his down time to stay on top of his craft," said Castillo.
Turner has also received praise for his part in saving the life of a local man near Forward Operating Base Morales-Frazier located in Nijrab District of Kapisa province when the vehicle the man was in went over a cliff.
"I saw the car teetering on the edge and the next thing I saw was the car at the bottom of the cliff upside down," said U.S. Army Pfc. Johnny Lane, SECFOR gunner.
After getting the message to help out the man still trapped in the car, Turner sprung into action once again.
"When we got close, we found a semi-conscious, 23-year-old male with severe head trauma," said Turner. "When I came up they had the guy in the back of another car and were about to drive him to a hospital, but had he been driven there that way, I don't think he would have made it."
The man was medevac via helicopter and after only three days in the hospital he was discharged.
"Turner's quick thinking and expertise as a medic surely saved the life of a man who fell some 200 feet inside a car," said Davenport.
While handshakes and praises are aplenty for Turner, he remains modest about his deeds.
"The way I see it, I just got a chance to do my job and play my part in saving a life, what better thing can a medic ask for?" he said.
In light of his other accomplishments as a medic and his professionalism as a Soldier, Spc. Turner has been recommended for a battlefield promotion to sergeant.
| Date Taken: | 01.30.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 02.03.2009 09:05 |
| Story ID: | 29591 |
| Location: | BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF |
| Web Views: | 200 |
| Downloads: | 152 |
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